There’s no one right answer for when end-of-life care is right for every person. There are variables that your elderly family member may need to consider that can help you both to determine when it’s the right option for her.
She’s Tired in General
Just being tired isn’t necessary an indication that your elderly family member is nearing the end of her life, but when she’s consistently tired and that feeling is invading every bit of her life, that might be an indication that she’s slowing down a great deal. Aging and dealing with serious health issues is very exhausting. Being able to relax into a treatment plan that is not as intrusive as curative plans can be may be just what she’s needing.
Her Overall Well-being Is Better at Home
Your elderly family member may also find that when she stays at home, she just feels better overall. That can be because she’s not exposed to as many germs or it may be because she isn’t expending as much energy as she does when she is out and about. At home she may feel stronger than she does when she’s spending a lot of time at doctor’s offices and in hospitals. Getting care at home from end-of-life care providers can make a big difference in how she feels overall.
She’s Concerned about Her Health
As your elderly family member gets older and perhaps deals with more complicated health issues, she may feel more concerned overall about her health. Lots of people at this stage are starting to confront their feelings around end-of-life issues in a more concrete way than they ever have in the past. This can be a perspective that makes her feel uncomfortable.
She’s Told You She’s Tired of Going to Appointments
It’s also possible that your elderly family member is simply tired of having to go to a variety of different specialists and appointments. These appointments and specialists may be what she needs at this point, but if it’s a hassle for her to go, she’s going to feel resentful and irritated rather than hopeful and positive about these appointments. Having the same treatments at home may be met with a much different attitude from her.
Your senior may not know for certain that it’s time for end-of-life care, but she may know that other forms of traditional care are wearing her out. It’s worth exploring those other options to see whether her needs get met in other ways.
If you are or a loved one is considering end-of-life care in Dunwoody, GA, please call the caring staff at Arcturus Hospice and Palliative Care today. Call 678-383-9973 today to speak to our care team.
Kate Gorinshteyn is the director of marketing at Arcturus Health Care. Arcturus is a fast-growing Hospice striving to provide the highest level of quality care to patients faced with life-limiting illnesses. Our goal is to make each patient as pain-free as possible and give physiological, emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and family. We understand that the decision change from curative to comfort care is difficult, and our team is trained to help you every step of the way!
We are proud to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.