Speak respectfully to and about the patient. Practice patience and empathy. Do not make jokes about the patient even if you think they are out of earshot. Answer patients honestly to build trust and take time to listen to their concerns.
Visions and Hallucinations
Visual or auditory hallucinations are often part of the dying experience. The appearance of family members or loved ones who have died is common. These visions are considered normal. The dying may turn their focus to “another world” and talk to people or see things that others do not see.
Hospice has a program that says that no one should have to die alone, and yet this hospice nurse is telling me to take a break? Some patients want to die when no one else is there. Hospice professionals know that companionship while dying is a personal preference.
Many people lose consciousness near the end of life. But they may still have some awareness of other people in the room. They may be able to hear what's being said or feel someone holding their hand.
Tell them how much you love them and will miss them. Talk about fond memories or funny stories from their past. Let them open up to you about their fears or worries. Provide a listening ear and a source of comfort for them whether or not they can communicate with you near the end.
Everyone will have different needs and wishes in their last days and hours. But there are some aspects of care you should do for all patients. These include communicating well, supporting them to make decisions about their care, maintaining hydration, managing their symptoms and medication.
Patients tell us that dignity and respect means: • being treated with care and compassion; • polite, courteous staff; having their privacy and dignity actively respected; and • having their views listened to and taken into consideration.
What is ReSPECT? ReSPECT stands for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment. The ReSPECT process creates a personalised recommendation for your clinical care in emergency situations, where you are not able to make decisions or express your wishes.
The five priorities focus on: recognising that someone is dying; communicating sensitively with them and their family; involving them in decisions; supporting them and their family; and creating an individual plan of care that includes adequate nutrition and hydration.
For family members in palliative care, dignity means living as a respected human being in relation to oneself and others. Dignity also includes being able to maintain one's identity, feeling connected to significant others, and being comfortable with the new situation.
It says “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” It's the four things you're supposed to express at the end of your life to find peace of mind before you die.
Avoid jargon and unclear language – for example say "dying" instead of "passing away". Find out how they express discomfort or pain. Allow enough time for conversations – be patient and ready to repeat yourself if needed. Check they understand by asking them to repeat what you said, using their own words if possible.
– Your last wishes can include anything you want, including funeral or cremation preferences and plans, body disposition preferences, obituary information, messages to your loved ones, requests for your final days, and personal information like where your will is.
"I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." "I wish I hadn't worked so hard." "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings." "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends."
Just before death some people become restless, agitated and confused. This is known as terminal restlessness. It often occurs within the last few days of life. Terminal restlessness can be caused by a range of things and sometimes calming drugs are needed.
What Is the Burst of Energy Before Death Called? This burst of energy before death is also known as “terminal lucidity” or “rallying.” Although there is considerable, general interest in this phenomenon, unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of scientific research done on the matter.