Last week, we reviewed some of the mental/emotional and spiritual needs that individuals at the end of life may experience, and how others can help meet these needs and provide comfort to the dying individual. Today, let’s look at two other areas of need identified by the National Institute on Aging; practical tasks and physical condition.
Providing comfort for the mental/emotional and spiritual needs of a dying individual often focuses on what others say to the individual and family. Addressing practical tasks and physical condition will focus on what others can do to help meet these needs. Practical tasks are those everyday responsibilities that keep a home and family running smoothly. These tasks may become a source of worry for a dying individual, especially tasks that the individual was accustomed to performing. Questions may arise about who will take care of these tasks now, or when and how the tasks will be taken care of. Determining what the individual’s concerns are, and helping develop a plan to meet these responsibilities, can be reassuring to the individual. Family members may feel overwhelmed by even simple tasks when they are dealing with feelings of grief and loss. Assistance with daily chores can be a great source of comfort for both the individual and family. It is most effective, however, to be specific when offering help. Being specific allows the family to say yes or no quickly, and not have to devote time or energy to finding a task that is “suitable” for the volunteer. Examples of practical tasks are running errands, washing or folding laundry, preparing a meal, or making telephone calls. If you are the caregiver, don’t be afraid to ask others for help, or to assign a specific task when someone offers assistance.
Physical condition is perhaps the most common factor that is thought of in relation to comfort, with pain being at the top of the list. Keep in mind that pain is easier to prevent than to treat, and treatment measures are more effective at the beginning stages of pain rather than once pain has become more severe. A variety of medications and doses may need to be tried before the most effective one (with the fewest side effects) is discovered. Increased muscle tension may be an indication of pain for someone who is unable to verbalize, or a sign of discomfort related to temperature. Temperature sensitivity may increase in a dying individual, and simply adding or removing a blanket can improve comfort. Breathing patterns may also change at the end of life, and the use of oxygen or a cool mist humidifier can promote easier breathing. A fan may be needed to ensure good ventilation, and the individual’s position will also affect the breathing pattern. Skin irritation can occur easily in an individual who cannot change position independently. Keeping the skin clean and dry, using extra cushioning, and regular mouth care are effective ways of preventing skin irritation. The expectation and management of increased fatigue will be important for those trying to live as “normally” as possible. Allowing extra time for the completion of activities, planning for rest periods between them, and finding creative ways to perform activities while expending less energy, will reduce both physical and emotional stress. Food and fluid intake are also directly related to physical condition, and comfort related to these tasks will be considered next week.
Living and dying involve many physical, social, emotional, financial, and legal issues. As people age, some of these issues change. You can be better prepared for these changing issues by learning about the expectations, possibilities, and hazards related to various situations.
Karen Kaslow, RN
Care Coordinator, Keystone Elder Law