It can be a devastating feeling if someone close to you is nearing the end of their life. This could be due to an ongoing illness, general frailty, or simply old age. A person is usually considered to be at the end of their life when they aren’t expected to live for more than 12 months. This is undoubtedly a difficult time, but there are some practical steps you should take.
#1 Consider what type of care the person needs
Every end-of-life case is different, and care choices are nuanced. The patient will likely have some idea about how they want to spend their last days, be that a fully constructed plan or a general feeling.
There are several options available. Some patients will prefer to spend as much time at home as possible, in which case specialized palliative care staff can be brought in to offer at-home care, like the service provided in San Diego.
Here they’ll find trained medical staff to take care of their needs (and the needs of their loved ones) while helping to make their final days as full as possible.
#2 Get affairs in order
It might be the last thing on your mind, but if a loved one is nearing the end of their life, then there are legal ramifications to take into consideration. Wills are the most obvious aspect to think about, but you might also need to assign power of attorney if the person’s mental faculties are also deteriorating.
Property rights will need to be taken care of, and you’ll also need to put arrangements in place to cover funeral costs. Getting these details sorted early means that you have more time to spend with your loved one. The last thing you want to do is struggle with legal matters when you should be spending the time grieving.
#3 Prioritize life experiences
Not all conditions will allow it, but most people have some form of “bucket list” that they want to tick off. These activities can be as simple as revising a childhood holiday destination or slightly more complex. Whatever the wishes, it’s important to try and fulfill them.
Helping a person fill their last days with activities and happiness gives them a chance to live life to the fullest. It also gives you some cherished memories to look back on in the future.
#4 Put a plan in place
This requires open communication between you and your loved one. Find out exactly how they envisage their last days and then think about how you can realize their wishes. Some people will be adamant that they remain at home until the very end; others will hope to seek palliative care elsewhere. It’s important to plan for these eventualities as early as possible. When their time has come, you can immortalize their memories on the internet.
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