End of Life Tips

The end of life is a difficult phase for anyone, but a caregiver must prepare for this stage in client’s care. Discussing this phase prior to its actual arrival is very beneficial. The discussions should be with your supervisor, and the client’s family. Selecting someone that you can share you grief with is an absolute, whether that be a spouse, friend, or your supervisor. The essential step is to realize the client is going to grieve their own death. Your most important role is to listen and acknowledge all the emotions he/she is experiencing from day to day.  The end of life can vary from day to months on end.  Your client will experience so many different emotions and you must be available for them with care and understanding. They will experience sadness, fear anger, denial, hope, and acceptance. The caregiver must understand that client moods will swing hour by hour, and day by day. Your client’s culture and religion will play an important role in their personal struggle. As a caregiver you must accept and provide for the cultural and religious aspects your client may request. These requests will vary based on their personal beliefs, which may be very different from your own. It’s important that you remain non-judgmental and provide those needs as requested, allowing for client’s dignity and personal choices.