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When a family member is at the end of life, there are some very important decisions that need to be made. While this will undoubtedly be an emotional time, having an active role in the decision-making process can ensure your family member’s life is as peaceful as possible in the final days. Here’s some information about making end-of-life medical decisions for your senior loved one.
Communicate Openly & Honestly
The most important thing is to communicate with your loved one and the rest of the family. Your loved one should have a voice in the care he or she receives during his or her final days. Talk to your loved one about the coming days and what to expect. Document requests so your loved one’s final wishes are granted. Include as many people as possible in communication, such as your loved one’s spouse, brothers, sisters, and other immediate family members.
A professionally trained caregiver can help you honor your loved one’s wishes for end-of-life care. One of the most challenging tasks of helping a senior relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Cincinnati for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Work with Your Loved One’s Doctor
A doctor is a vital part of the end-of-life care provided for your family member. The doctor will be able to share how your loved one’s condition is progressing and what medications should be administered to make your family member more comfortable. If there’s a great deal of discomfort, the doctor might offer suggestions on how to best provide support and comfort during this period.
If your senior loved one needs hourly or around-the-clock in-home care, Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Make Sure Your Loved One Has a Living Will
A living will is a document that can detail what should be done if breathing stops. This legally binding document will let doctors know if resuscitation efforts are to be used or if nothing is to be done to prolong life. Although discussing end-of-life wishes can be difficult and emotional, asking your loved one about his or her personal choices can take the burden off family members so they’re not faced with making such a decision without clarity and confidence.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional around-the-clock senior care Cincinnati, OH, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated around-the-clock caregiver. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (513) 993-5025.
