End-of-life care can be defined as the care given to those who are nearing the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or control disease. The goal is to control pain and other symptoms so the person can be as comfortable as possible, which is why it’s sometimes also called comfort care. It includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families.
Doulas for end of life
Planning for end of life includes emotional and practical considerations. The first step is opening up the conversation, explains end-of-life doula Sue Phillips. End-of-life doulas support a person during the dying process according to their needs, beliefs, and desires, whether over months or years, regardless of diagnosis or illness.
Talking about end of life
“Many people continue to be afraid to prepare for death, which includes pre-planning when they are well,” Phillips says. “Often a prevailing thought process is ‘if we don’t talk about it, it won’t happen.’”
But by speaking about and planning for death, people can increase their literacy on the subject. They’ll gain more power over and knowledge of their responsibilities and options, whether for themselves or for someone they are caring for.
Healthcare decisions
The impacts of end-of-life care on the healthcare system can be significant. Research suggests that people who die in the hospital undergo more intense tests and procedures than those who die anywhere else. Hospital deaths are not only more intrusive but also more expensive than deaths elsewhere.
Financial decisions
“Financially, where possible, it is very important to consider your choices and prepare for them,” Phillips says. “Older generations [may be more] familiar with this idea and often choose their funeral home and purchase their cemetery plot long before they need it. It is a security that [comes from] not wanting to leave it to loved ones to deal with after they are gone. It can be a heavy burden lifted when a loved one has ‘taken care of business’ in this manner.”
Caregivers need support
Being a caregiver for someone at the end of their life can be a rewarding journey but also a very taxing one, emotionally and physically. They are facing immense stress and unknown territory, and may feel overwhelmed.
“It is extremely important for that caregiver to know when they themselves need support,” Phillips says. “We cannot help others if we are depleted ourselves.”
Supplements for support
During life-limiting illnesses, nutritional needs may not be met due to difficulties in eating or lack of appetite. There may be supplements that can help, but caregivers should consult a healthcare practitioner to determine what’s best for the patient’s needs.
Supplement |
Possible benefits |
| fiber | improve digestion and/or constipation |
| melatonin | aid in better sleep |
| omega-3s | reduce inflammation; slow down loss of muscle tissue; reduce fatigue |
| protein powders | help with malnutrition |
| vitamin D | support immune and nervous systems to reduce risk of infection |
By Joanne Peters