Having a friend, relative, or parent who is battling a terminal illness is physically and psychologically strenuous. Firstly, due to the emotional strain of knowing someone special is going to die soon. Secondly, the stress of having to check up on that person, and helping the person run errands, carry out house chores duties, bath the person, cook, feed the person, and so on.
This extra indulgence and caregiving can deter a person’s performance at the workplace. It’s recommended that such challenged persons be taken to a healthcare facility or any assisted living in Bloomfield Hills where all needed care and medications can be provided for the person -this is however the best measure for handling health conditions of that nature. The care provided at those healthcare facilities goes a long way in extending the life of those patients, thereby making the person’s last days on earth blissful.
Why engage the palliative care team?
Some people would probably prefer to care for a loved one themselves. Some family members offer help by going to the pharmacist to purchase drugs, consulting medical personnel for advice, and providing practical support for the sick person in the house. There is nothing wrong with wanting to handle the caregiving duty, especially for families that share a really deep connection and want to stay in touch with each other.
However, the importance of involving a palliative care team can’t be over-emphasized. Not only does it save the individual the stress, and energy of having to provide 24/7 care to someone, which adversely affects the schedule of the person offering the care, care centers offer more professional and safe treatments. The team is trained and experienced and would provide effective therapeutic care.
Different types of Caregivers
Hospice in Oakland County makes up a team of caregivers who specialize in providing care to individuals battling terminal illnesses. These teams provide hospital and home treatment/care services depending on the preference of the patient.
The caregiving team typically includes;
- Doctors. Usually, a doctor oversees the care of patients in the hospital or care facility. Doctors examine the patients and determine what kind of treatment or care is appropriate for them.
- Nurses: nurses play a key role in ensuring the wellness of the patient, nurses perform these roles using the Doctor’s prescriptions to offer medication to patients. Some nurses can be contracted to provide specialized services at the patient’s residence. Nurses are generally responsible for coordinating caregiving in healthcare centers.
- Counselors; The therapists, priests, and people who specialized in restoring mental, psychological and spiritual balance falls under this category. This group guides families going through tough times, for example, a family who is traumatized by the experience of having to lose someone special, who is probably on a life support system.
- Social Workers; this team generally provides aid and counseling and sometimes, recommends support aids to patients.
- Home Health Aides: these groups are a specialized team that offers routine care to elderly people, or severely ill people who can’t bathe, eat or dress up by themselves.
- Pharmacists: the profession helps in providing medications that will aid the recovery or medications that help to alleviate symptoms.
- Volunteers: The services offered by volunteers are vast. volunteers willfully commit and collaborate with caregiving companies and render support to medically challenged individuals. Some of these volunteers do not have medical experience, so volunteers mostly engage in non-medical tasks like transporting patients, conveying drugs, and taking up domestic roles.
How to relate with a person nearing the final days of life
Death is something nobody prays for, and it is difficult to predict the moment of death. For people experiencing a terminal illness, it is as though the person is at the edge of death. The way to relate with such people is different from how to relate with everyone else. The terminally ill are probably not thinking of any goals, ambition, or money.
At that critical period, starting a conversation with such a person can be very difficult. And, it can just be okay to sit with the person and share a memorable moment without having to say anything. It’s also important to redirect the mind of the person to other interesting things, like funny TV shows, or funny books or novels. When having conversations with such a person, be sure to remind the person how well they have impacted the lives of other people, and how the person is loved and appreciated. Remind the person of some special memories and moments, sing with the person, and help incite the ambiance of love, affection, and happiness around the person.
How to choose the right Palliative Care program for the terminally ill
There are so many hospices in Oakland county that provide high-quality treatment and care for people nearing death, but to identify the right one that will provide the specialized care to that relative or loved one, it’s best to inquire from a reliable doctor, nurse or any social worker friend.
Or, reach out to the state government office that specializes in pensioners or aged people. And, don’t limit the search, reach out to friends and relatives for ideas and suggestions. The online space is another great option, but be sure to peruse their website for reviews and ratings.
How to evaluate a palliative care program
- Figure out if the care program is government certified. A Medicare-certified program should be licensed and endorsed by the state government. Also, run research to figure out if the program has been accredited.
- Check out the group of individuals managing the program, their education and training histories, and if they are licensed to function as medical personnel.
- Find out if the team is working with a trusted pharmacist that helps in issuing medications
- It is equally okay to confirm if the program is profit-oriented, or a non-profit program.
- Watch out for trends and modalities common to the institution and how staff attends to terminally ill patients.
- Find out how long it takes to admit a patient into the program
- Some palliative care gives extended assistance to the family of the ill or diseased, such services are referred to as bereavement services. Is such service available?
- Who handles the bills, insurance, government, private organization, or the patient?
- Are some volunteers working alongside?
- How flexible is the program, when situations change, can the establishment switch methods and treatment patterns?
