Curious about the “hospice steps to death?” Hospice is a term used to describe a care facility that provides support and assistance to terminally ill people. Hospice can be found in many different forms, with each providing its own unique set of services and amenities.
The Latin word hospitum, which means hospitality or a place of rest and safety for the ill and weary, is where the word “hospice” originates. The first hospices, created to care for the sick and dying traveling to and from the Holy Land, are thought to have started in Malta around 1065.
How Hospice Care Works
A person with a serious illness who is nearing the end of their life is the focus of hospice care, which focuses on their care, comfort, and quality of life. A serious illness may eventually be incurable, or a patient may decide not to receive certain treatments.
Hospice is intended for circumstances like this. When a patient enters hospice care, they are aware that their illness is not improving despite medical interventions to treat it or slow the disease’s progression.
Hospice offers comprehensive comfort care as well as assistance for the family, but hospice forgoes trying to cure the patient’s illness. When a terminally ill patient’s doctor estimates that the patient has six months or less to live if the illness is allowed to progress naturally, hospice care is offered.
It’s crucial for a patient to go over hospice care options with their doctor. Sometimes, people don’t start receiving hospice care soon enough to benefit fully from the assistance it provides. They may have waited too long to start hospice care and are now too near death.
Or, some people may not qualify for hospice care in time to benefit fully from it. By beginning hospice care early, you may be able to give your loved ones months of gratifying care and time together.
Hospice Steps to Death: Signs of Approaching Death
It may take a few weeks for some people to let go of the living world. For others, it may only last a few days or even hours. Some of the changes listed below may become apparent as death draws near.
1. Loss of consciousness
People frequently enter an unconscious or coma-like state just before passing away. A person cannot be awakened, won’t open their eyes, can’t communicate, and won’t react to touch while in this very deep state of unconsciousness.
Even if they are unable to respond, people who are unconscious may still hear what is being said. It should be assumed that a person may still be able to feel pain or distress even if they are unable to express it verbally, even if they are not able to speak.
2. Changes in Bladder and Bowel
Laxatives or stool softeners may need to be used more frequently to maintain comfort from constipation, though these drugs should be stopped if the person hasn’t consumed much food or liquid for several days. It is also possible to lose bladder function and control.
A foley catheter may be suggested if incontinence exacerbates discomfort brought on by skin breakdown or if your doctor suspects urine is being held in the bladder for any other reason.
When properly positioned, a foley catheter is painless, helps to protect the skin around it, may relieve abdominal pressure or pain brought on by urinary retention, and lessens the need to turn and reposition during diaper or pad changes.
3. Decrease in Body Temperature by a Degree or More
There may be a change in the temperature of the patient’s skin or hand. Due to the significant risk of skin burns on thin, fragile skin, heating pads should not be used to warm hands or feet that may feel cold to the touch. Maybe all you need is a warm blanket to add comfort.
Some people may experience a slight fever or notice that their face and torso skin feels warm to the touch and is flushed. Applying a warm washcloth to the forehead could be soothing.
4. Loss of interest in the environment
The person may not respond to inquiries or may express little interest in past pastimes, interactions with loved ones, caregivers, or friends. This phenomenon is called “detaching,” as the dying person gradually withdraws from life.
Dimming the lights, softly playing the person’s favorite music, and providing some gentle touch and/or kind words can help keep the environment as peaceful and calm as possible for the person as they transition. Always act as if the dying person is aware of what is happening and is able to hear and understand voices.
This goes for family members, caregivers, and medical professionals. One of the final senses to fail before death is hearing.
5. There Is a Significant Drop In Activity
The individual may move less, sleeping more frequently during the day and possibly becoming resistant to any movement or activity.
As death approaches, the need for repositioning lessens, even though gentle turning and shifting can help with issues like muscle stiffness and pressure injury to the skin. Pre-medicating with the proper pain management will help reduce discomfort during repositioning if the dying person verbalizes discomfort during movement or you notice signs of pain.
By timing their turning and repositioning around their current pain management schedule or by adding additional pain medication to be used as needed, your healthcare provider can give instructions on how to do this safely.
Conclusion
Hospice care involves having an understanding that the patient may die, providing support and comfort to the patient during their final days, and ensuring that any treatments or medications given to the patient are effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?
Hospice is a method of care; as such, it is not confined to any one location. Both at home and in a facility, such as a nursing home, hospital, or even a separate hospice center, it can be provided.
2. Where Is Hospice Care Provided and Who Provides It?
Families of patients who received end-of-life care through a hospice program are happier with it than those who did not.
In addition, compared to individuals who do not receive hospice care, hospice recipients are more likely to have their pain managed and are less likely to undergo tests or receive unnecessary medications.