Your tips: what advice would you give to someone who's beginning to accept that a loved one needs end of life care?

[HarrietD]

Every issue our magazine includes real life experiences, and they'd like to hear from you.

What advice would you give to someone who's beginning to understand and accept that a relative or friend who has dementia now needs end of life care?

For example, someone who:

• Sees the person isn't only being made as comfortable as possible anymore, but that they're in their last days of life.
• Is conflicted or confused, whether due to guilt about feeling relief over the end being in sight, or unsure what to feel because they've already grieved the person they were before dementia.
• Has realised they've been in denial up to now, but the fact the person will die suddenly feels very real.

Please share your thoughts by the end of 5 September, and they may be featured in the next issue of the magazine.

Thanks everyone

 

[garfield3]

Every issue our magazine includes real life experiences, and they'd like to hear from you.

What advice would you give to someone who's beginning to understand and accept that a relative or friend who has dementia now needs end of life care?

For example, someone who:

• Sees the person isn't only being made as comfortable as possible anymore, but that they're in their last days of life.
• Is conflicted or confused, whether due to guilt about feeling relief over the end being in sight, or unsure what to feel because they've already grieved the person they were before dementia.
• Has realised they've been in denial up to now, but the fact the person will die suddenly feels very real.

Please share your thoughts by the end of 5 September, and they may be featured in the next issue of the magazine.

Thanks everyone

Spend as much time as possible with them because time is precious.

 

[Pork Pie lady]

If they are able to understand and you can do it without causing upset make sure you are clear on what they want. IE where do they want to die (if it is possible to give a choice), who they would want with them, what arrangements for the funeral.

 

[HarrietD]

Thank you so much @garfield3 and @Pork Pie lady for your thoughtful comments - much appreciated.

 

[Duggies-girl]

Make the most of the time left and talk to them about nice memories.

Expect all kinds of emotions when they finally go because it may be a huge shock even when you know it is going to happen.

 

[HarrietD]

These suggestions are really helpful, thank you @Duggies-girl.

 

[HarrietD]

If anyone has any thoughts they'd like to add to this, please feel free to comment below.

 

[HarrietD]

Thanks so much everyone for your suggestions - we'll close this thread now.