What Should the Goals for End of Life Include?
End of life care includes planning for how you and your loved ones will be cared for at the end of your life. It is an important but oftentimes neglected process. With careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you will receive the care you want, when you need it, and in accordance with your wishes.
At its core, end of life care is about creating a plan for yourself that details your goals and values in ways that are meaningful to you and the people you love. This plan should reflect your wishes and decisions about the kind of care you would like to receive, as well as the health care providers and facilities you would like to use.
It's important to note that end of life care isn't just about death and mortality. Your plan should also include support you may need during any medical treatments, advice on how to manage pain, and directions for caregivers to follow if and when you become unable to express your wishes. By creating these plans, you are taking steps to ensure that your end of life is handled in the ways best suited to your preferences.
Types of End of Life Care Options
When it comes to end of life care, there are many options available. Depending on the individual’s needs, preferences, and resources, there are a variety of care services and facilities that can be used. Some of the most common types of end of life care options include:
- Home Care Services - Services such as home health aides, hospice care, and care management that are provided in the home setting.
- Hospice Care - A type of care facility that provides special services and support for those who are terminally ill or nearing the end of life.
- Respite Care - A form of temporary relief for family members and/or healthcare providers who are caring for a terminally ill individual.
- Long-Term Care Facilities - These are facilities that provide long-term care services for those who are chronically ill, disabled, or elderly.
- Palliative Care - Services focused on providing comfort and relief from the symptoms of serious illness.
Each of these care options serves a different purpose, and each individual should carefully consider their own needs and circumstances when selecting a type of end of life care.
Developing Your Goals
When it comes to end of life care, developing your goals is an important part of taking control of your future. It can be difficult to talk about end of life decisions, but by understanding your options and discussing them openly with your family, friends, and healthcare providers, you can create a plan that meets your end-of-life needs and desires.
Your goals should be based on your values and beliefs, and should reflect what is most important to you. Before beginning the process of developing your goals, it is important to take the time to reflect on your values and beliefs, and to think about what matters most to you.
Once you have taken the time to understand what is important to you, you can start developing your goals. Consider things like your preferences for medical interventions, where you want to receive care, and who should be involved in your care. This includes discussing your wishes regarding treatments such as CPR and ventilators, and your desire for pain management medications.
It may help to talk with your healthcare provider or a trusted loved one about your wishes. This can help you make sure that your wishes are understood and respected, and can provide peace of mind. Once you have established your goals, it’s important to document them and make sure those close to you have the necessary information.
Working With Your Health Care Providers to Create a Plan
When planning your goals and end of life care, it is important to work with your health care providers to ensure that you are making the best decisions for your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. This means having open communication with your doctor or other healthcare professional about your goals and expectations.
Being honest and speaking up about your wishes can help make sure that the plan you create is tailored to your unique needs and properly reflects what is important to you. Before creating a plan with the help of your healthcare provider, it is essential to know the options available to you so you can make the most informed decisions possible.
- Make sure to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider.
- Ensure that the plan is tailored to your individual needs.
- Research the options available to you before deciding on a plan.
How to Find the Right Resources and Services
The goal of end of life care is to ensure that a person’s care needs are properly met in a dignified and respectful manner. In order to achieve this, it is important to find the right resources and services to best meet your needs.
Finding the right resources and services starts with doing your research. You can ask your doctor for referrals to specialists or facilities, search online for reviews of different services and facilities, or even ask other people who have gone through similar experiences. Remember that it is important to take your time when making decisions about end of life care.
Another option is to consult with an end of life care specialist. An end of life care specialist can help you assess your needs and identify resources that will meet those needs. They can also provide professional guidance and support throughout the process.
Considering Different Types of Care Facilities
When it comes to end of life care, there are a variety of facilities available. From staying in your own home to living at a hospice, nursing home, or assisted living facility, it's important to consider all of your options before making a choice.
Home Care: Home care can provide assistance so that the individual can remain in their own home. This type of care includes services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and medical care.
Hospital Care: Hospitals provide 24-hour medical care and can be a great option for someone who needs a higher level of medical attention.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes offer long-term care and access to skilled nursing staff, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals.
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities provide social activities, as well as health and personal care services, for those who need help with activities of daily living.
Hospice Care: Hospice care provides physical and emotional support to individuals who wish to remain at home near family and friends. This type of care focuses on symptom management and providing comfort and support during the end of life.
When considering different types of care facilities, it's important to assess the individual's needs and preferences. Different people may require different levels of care, so it's important to discuss all of the available options with your medical professional and family.
Exploring Financial Considerations
Having an end of life care plan also means considering the financial implications of a terminal illness or chronic condition. It is important to be aware of what expenses you may incur and how they will be paid for. It is important to make sure that your care plan is tailored to your unique needs and financial situation.
If you have health insurance coverage, it is important to understand what services and treatments are covered. Understanding the specifics of your policy can help you plan how to cover any costs associated with end of life care that are not covered. Additionally, it is important to understand if there are limits on the benefits you are able to receive.
It is also important to think about any long-term care insurance policies you may have, as this can provide additional financial assistance as you prepare for the end of life. Additionally, you should consider other resources like Medicaid, Medicare, aid programs from veterans service organizations, and other public or private assistance.
Lastly, you should consider setting up a trust or will that outlines specific instructions for how you would like the money you leave behind to be used. This can help take some of the stress off of your loved ones during a difficult time.
Making decisions about advanced care directives is a critical aspect of end of life planning. Advanced care directives provide individuals with a way to make decisions about their care when they can no longer do so. These directives allow you to express your preferences for medical treatments, specify who you want to make decisions on your behalf, and communicate your wishes to medical providers.
It’s important to understand that advanced care directives are not one-size-fits-all documents. Each directive is written with the individual’s own values, beliefs, and preferences in mind. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to carefully consider the various options available to you and discuss them with loved ones and health care providers.
Typically, an advanced care directive includes two main documents: a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. A living will outlines specific instructions, such as whether or not you want to receive certain treatments if you become terminally ill. It also allows you to decide who you trust enough to make decisions on your behalf.
A durable power of attorney for health care specifies who you would like to have the power to make decisions about your care if you become unable to do so. This person is known as your healthcare proxy and should be someone you trust to make decisions in line with your values and wishes.
In addition to the two main documents, you can specify any additional wishes or instructions in your advanced care directive. For example, you may want to include information about organ donation or who you would like to receive any possessions after your death.
Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding advanced care directives in your state. It’s also a good idea to talk over any issues with your loved ones and health care providers who can help answer any questions you may have.
Using Communication to Cope with Stress
End of life care can be a difficult and stressful process for both the person receiving care and their loved ones. Communication can be an invaluable tool when managing the stress that comes up. Sharing feelings openly, often, and honestly can help to relieve stress and tension in the family.
Here are some tips for talking about difficult topics:
- Set aside regular times to check in with each other
- Create a safe and non-judgmental environment
- Be open about your feelings and thoughts
- Take breaks when needed to avoid overwhelm or burnout
- Remain focused on the present moment
- Give each other the space & time to work through challenges together
It is important to remember that everyone will be experiencing different emotions during this process. It is okay to have a wide range of feelings. Some common emotions people may experience include sadness, anger, guilt, fear, denial, and hope. Being able to talk these feelings out can go a long way in helping manage them.
Resources such as counseling, support groups, and therapy can also be helpful in managing stress. Talk to your healthcare team or healthcare provider to find out what resources and services may be available in your area.
At the end of the day, communication can be an invaluable tool in helping you cope with the stress and emotions that can come with end of life care. It is important to give yourself and your loved ones the time and space to work through any challenges that come up. Remember to take breaks when needed, prioritize self-care, and lean into the support of your healthcare team and healthcare providers.
Dealing With Grief and Depression
The end of someone’s life can be a difficult and trying time for those who knew and loved them. Even when death has been anticipated, and end of life care plans have been made, it’s natural to feel sadness and grief in the face of loss. It can be difficult to cope with these emotions, and it can be hard to know when to reach out for help.
Grief is an intensely personal experience, and it is different for everyone. It is important to remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to cope with the loss of a loved one. Some coping strategies that may help include spending time with supportive people, seeking counseling, or engaging in physical activities. It is also important to take time to do things that bring you joy and comfort, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or watching a movie.
Depression is a common emotional response to the death of a loved one and can have severe physical and emotional consequences. It is important to get professional help if symptoms of depression persist for more than a few weeks. Talking to a therapist or other mental health professional can help to understand and cope with feelings of sadness and loss during this difficult time.
Establishing an End of Life Care Plan
Having a plan in place for end of life care is important for everyone, whether you’re young or old. A well-thought-out plan provides peace of mind and makes it easier to discuss difficult decisions with your family and health care providers.
Start by outlining your preferences for end-of-life care and decisions. Do you have religious or spiritual beliefs that will impact your choices? Are there certain treatments you would like to receive? Are there ones you would like to avoid? Do you want to stay at home or move to a facility? Consider who you want to be involved in making decisions if you are unable to do so yourself.
Once you have your wishes outlined, it’s time to formalize them. You may want to appoint a Health Care Agent or proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. You can also choose to create an advance directive, which is a legal document that expresses your wishes and desires for end-of-life care.
Be sure to take the time to discuss your end-of-life care plans with your health care providers, family members, close friends, and anyone else who might be involved. Even if your plan is relatively straightforward, it’s important that everyone involved understands and agrees on the details.
Conclusion: Remembering What Matters Most
When considering end of life care, it is important to remember what matters most: loving and caring for yourself and your loved ones. The focus of end of life care should be on comfort, respect, and quality of life. By recognizing that each individual situation is unique and focusing on the best possible outcomes for both individuals and families, you can ensure that everyone involved is supported in this difficult time.
No matter what care decisions you make, keep in mind that you are taking action for someone you love. End of life care is not just about filling out forms or making phone calls; it's about being there for those who need support in their last days. Taking the time to understand different end of life care options and preparing a plan that works for you will give you peace of mind and give those you care about comfort.
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Diane Carbo