Last Days: What to Expect

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Last DaysWhat to Expect
Native Families Cancer Caregiver WorkshopMay
28-30, 2008
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Objectives

• Describe what to expect as death nears and how a
  caregiver can prepare for a loved ones comfort
  in the last days

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What Should I Expect?
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Being With Someone As They Pass On Is A Spiritual
Experience
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Prepare Yourself Spiritually

• Dying is a processit doesnt happen all at once
• Take time to be there
• Take a break from your other responsibilities
• Notify those you want to be present
• Know what your loved ones wishes are for a
  ceremony and burial

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Prepare For Your Loved Ones Comfort

• Plan ahead
• Ask the doctor or hospice care provider how to
  give medicine after your loved one can no longer
  swallow
• Do not discontinue pain medications!
• The doctor can prescribe a patch, injection or
  shot, or suppository
• Be sure you have needed medicine on hand
• Ask your doctor or hospice care provider what
  else you should be prepared for

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Interaction

• In the days or hours before death, a dying person
  interacts with others less and less
• You may notice that your loved one begins to
  withdraw from surroundings

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Consciousness

• A dying person gradually loses consciousness
• This may take several days
• Before losing consciousness, your loved one may
  see people who have passed on before
• Your loved one may speak to those who have passed
  on before
• Your loved one may be aware of your presence even
  after he or she can no longer respond to you
• Let him or her know you are therespeak to him,
  hold her hand
• Assume that your loved one can hear you

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Blood Flow

• The heart beat becomes gradually weaker and
  slower over several hours
• The legs and arms will come cool
• Keep your loved one warm, but not smothered in
  blankets

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Breathing

• Breathing becomes irregular in the last hours
• Your loved one may have hard breathing
  alternating with no breathing
• This kind of breathing is normal at the end of
  life and may last several hoursit does not mean
  your loved one is suffering
• Breathing is easier with the head and upper body
  raised slightly
• Gradually breathing stops
• The heart may continue beating slowly for a while
  after breathing has stopped

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After Death Occurs

• Dont rushknow what you need to do, but dont be
  in a hurry
• Take some time to reflect
• You will have a lot to do in the next hours and
  daysbe sure to find some quiet time

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Observe Meaningful Spiritual Practices Before And
After Your Loved One Has Passed Away