What to Expect
At Home Senior Care serves seniors and their families in and around the Newton area. We provide a wide range of services for our Newton patients, and sometimes that involves dealing with the care of people facing terminal illness. It is an emotional time for everyone involved with many questions. There is so much to consider, but it helps to have some idea of what to expect when a loved one reaches this stage of life.
Changes in care needs and the focus of care.
Hospice care is often called for at some point during a terminal illness. The focus of care shifts from curative treatments to concerns about comfort, treating symptoms for relief, and relieving stress however possible. Improving quality of life for the patient and the family as much as possible is a priority.
Changes in habits
Patients' patterns often change over the course of a terminal illness. This can include everything from sleeping, eating, drinking, bathroom habits, and social withdrawal. A great deal of understanding and support is required through this time.
Physical, mental, and emotional changes
Many of these changes vary based on type of illness and progress of the disease. Pain alone can change mood and activity level. Breathing can change. Bodily functions may change. Patients can experience confusion, alertness issues, altered states, changes in personality and temperament, and more.
Every person must face terminal illness in their own way as best they can
There is no one way to grieve. It is difficult to face end of life issues as the patient or as the patient's family. Support and love in whatever form we can give it is often the most we can do.
Contact At Home Senior Care in Newton if you have more questions and to see how we can help improve quality of life for you and your loved ones.