End of Life Care

When a loved one is dying, conversations about the end of life can be uncomfortable and difficult. Still, discussing end-of-life care is important.

At Firstat Nursing Services we will work with any hospice of your choosing to make sure that the patient remains comfortable at the end of life. Pain, anxiety and other end-of-life symptoms can often be treated.

Your loved one might have choices for end-of-life care. Options might include:
• Home care. Most people prefer to die at home or in the home of a family member. You can assume the role of caregiver or hire home care services for support.
• Inpatient care. Some people might prefer round-the-clock care at a nursing home, hospital or dedicated inpatient hospice facility.

A holistic treatment approach intended to ease symptoms, relieve pain, and address spiritual and psychological concerns — can be provided in any of these environments.

Seek clarity about the type of care your loved one wants at the end of life. Many people approaching death choose to stop treatments that cause significant side effects, preferring treatments that improve comfort. Your loved one also may prefer to die free from the burdens of life-support machines such as ventilators and dialysis machines.

The Firstat Process:
✓ Planning with family members – An assessment will be provided
✓ Create Plan of Care – Customized to fulfill the crucial elements of transitional care
✓ Patient Assessment of O2 need and Palliative Measures
✓ Training for the family – how to provide comfort and medications
✓ Recognizing that death is near
• Restlessness and agitation
• Withdrawal
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Pauses or other changes in breathing

Although you can’t change what’s happening to your loved one, you can help him or her feel as comfortable as possible