Caring for someone at the end of their life is one of the most humbling and loving things you can do for a person. And while everyone knows death is simply a part of life, it can be a difficult thing to cope with as you near the end. It can also be difficult to watch someone who was once full of energy and spunk slowly drift away. As a caregiver, you are responsible for showing your loved one in hospice that they are loved and cared for until the end.
Your loved one lived a vibrant and exciting life. Perhaps he or she was always the life of the party and loved to look fabulous. Once a fashionista, always a fashionista! Just because they are nearing the end of their life doesn’t mean they have to give up all of the pieces of themselves that they enjoy. You can still help them shine even in a hospital gown. Providing care is often about helping that person remember the good times and the joy that still surrounds them. Whether that’s through fashion tips or watching sports, you can continue to create special memories with your loved ones even at the end of their life. Keep reading for a few words of advice on how to maintain quality care for the fashionista in your life.
Keep up with the things they love.
Caring for someone at the end of their life often means maintaining a sense of the things they love. So for someone who loves fashion and takes pride in their appearance, you can care for them by helping them maintain their looks. Getting a haircut or having your nails done can bring such a sense of dignity and pride back for someone at the end of their life. Pull out the magnetic eyeliner lashes so that your loved one can feel fabulous and beautiful again. She may not be able to put on eyeliner and lashes like she used to, but you can help with the application process and show her how beautiful she is no matter what is happening with her health.
Maintain a sense of dignity.
That sense of dignity goes beyond just looking fabulous. The best way to care for a dying patient is to always treat them with honesty and respect. While it is true they may spend some time confused or dazed or other various states, you should always speak directly to the patient and include them in the decisions about their care rather than relying on a third party. Ask for what they need and never assume you know what is best for them. Allowing a person to come to the end of their life with dignity is the best way to care for them.
Help with practical care.
As an individual is dying, there is plenty of practical care that they may need assistance with. This can mean anything from helping to feed them, helping them relieve themselves, dampening a dry mouth, or easing physical pain. Beyond the physical care you can provide, you can also provide practical care by taking care of financial needs. If a patient needs extra funds to take care of end of life expenses, they may be eligible for a viatical settlement from American Life Fund. A viatical settlement occurs when you sell your life insurance policy to a third party broker who offers you a lump sum to cover medical expenses at the end of your life. In the case of a terminal illness, it may be useful to claim your money from your life insurance immediately rather than stress about how you’ll pay for your treatment.
Provide extra comfort and emotional support.
Overall, providing end of life care is all about giving comfort and emotional support. Be there for your loved ones. Remind them how important they are to you, the amazing life they’ve had, and how loved they truly are. Be sure they are comfortable as they prepare to transition into whatever the next step on their journey is.