In recent times, there has been an increase in life-limiting conditions. While no single element can explain this increase, there have been advancements in the care of patients to ensure their comfort irrespective of their health status. When most people think of the end-of-life care, they assume this is meant for those who have given up on life.
Signing up for hospice care services at an Indiana facility does not mean hopelessness. It instead guarantees that the patient gets to live in comfort and dignity even if their condition has been proven unmanageable by other means. Some families opt for home-based rather than institutional-based hospice care, to spend maximum time with their loved ones. This option calls for a caregiver to step in when the professional is not around. If you’re one of these people, you should know that while your commitment to your patients and their families is commendable, you will also deal with various issues. The following are some of the typical caregiver issues in end-of-life care and the proven strategies for coping with them.
Exhaustion
Providing care during the end of life week often require you to regions with some urgency. You would want to be by your patient’s’ bedside 24/7 to guarantee you do not miss the precious moments you will share and ensure he or she has the highest level of comfort. Unfortunately, this can be exhausting for you, despite your good intentions. Hospice centers thus offer respite care that allows you to take a break and meet other people or engage in self-care activities. This not only rejuvenates you but also alleviates isolation and boosts your mental and physical health.
Fear
Caregiving for end-of-life patients might be the most crucial undertaking in your life. Most people are thus filled with the fear of handling something wrong and causing grave injuries to the patient. Hospice centers will offer various training courses to help you manage some of the basic elements of caregiving. You should also discuss your fears with a hospice care expert who will offer suggestions on how you can cope. He or she should be able to also provide insight into the real challenges that lie ahead in your career as a caregiver.
Making Hard Decisions
You will need to make some tough choices as a patient nears the end of their life, since you will be among the closest people to him or her. Some of these include what treatments should be administered, writing of a will, and the patient’s funeral wishes. Fortunately, many hospices can offer some much-needed unbiased advice on how to handle these issues and make the right choice.
Anger
This is a common reaction when you see your patient’s suffering and realize there is little to nothing you can do about it. You should nonetheless look for ways to channel your anger into something productive. Going to the gym, journaling, and seeking counseling are some of the means through which you can handle your anger.
As a caregiver, you will be the closest person to the patient as the disease takes a toll on him or her. Your conduct around them determines much of their wellbeing. With the strategies above for handling the common issues you face as a caregiver, you will be well-equipped to offer the highest care quality.