ANODYNE HOSPICE CARE 925-968-5392
End of Life Process
End-of-life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given before and during the time surrounding death.
No End-of-Life experiences or treatments are alike.
Many factors can and will be involved:
- Could be the onset of an unexpected chronic illness.
- For some the body weakens while the mind stays clear.
- Others remain physically strong while cognitive function declines.
Know and understand there are proven ways to ensure that your loved one will have a peaceful death:
- Provide care, comfort and dignity.
- Follow their end-of-life wishes.
- Treat them with the respect they deserve.
At Anodyne we design and implement a specific care plan to help support you and your loved one during difficult times.
Levels of Care
People who are approaching the end of life stage require care in four areas:
- physical comfort
- mental and emotional needs
- spiritual needs
- and practical tasks
The family members of a dying person need help and support with :
- practical tasks
- emotional distress
- the 5 stages of grief.
Our 24/7 Clinical Team and Services
Hospice Social Worker
End-of-Life Care at Home
End-of-Life Care at Home
Social Worker
Assessment
Fostering
Guidance
Social Workers meet with loved ones and families to understand their needs, challenges and how they see their end-of-life process. They educate on code status and Advanced Directives. They provide resources and options that ease the burden of making difficult decisions during the end-of-life process.
End-of-Life Care at Home
End-of-Life Care at Home
End-of-Life Care at Home
Medical Director
Care Coordination
Clinical Decisions
Consultations
The Medical Director is critical to a hospice operation. A medical physician who is responsible and oversees the clinical components of a hospice program, establishes medical protocols, provides guidance to the Hospice Care team, ensuring quality and compliance align with regulatory requirements.
Hospice Nurse at Home
End-of-Life Care at Home
Hospice Nurse at Home
Registered Nurse
Pain Management
Care Coordination
Pharmacy, injections
Lab Work
We coordinate the medical care for people with serious illnesses and near the stages in the end-of-life process. Our goal is to provide relief from bothersome symptoms and pain; help reduce the effects of the stress on one's health. Our focus is to maintain the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Hospice Aide at Home
Therapuetic Services at Home
Hospice Nurse at Home
Aides and Volunteers
Companionship
Bathing
Grooming
Dressing
Our team of Aides and Volunteers provide many different types of care, emotional support, and assistance with daily living activities. These individuals provide much needed companionship while family members are absent and want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Grief Support at Home
Therapuetic Services at Home
Therapuetic Services at Home
Spiritual Care
Counseling
Bereavement Support
Faith-Based Coordination
As humans we grieve the loss of anything to which we have devoted our time, attention and affection. Grief feels out of control and requires focus, time and attention. Grief is highly individualized; there is no specific timeframe or rules. Our faith-based resources will add another level of comfort and coping skills for families during this complex and difficult time
Therapuetic Services at Home
Therapuetic Services at Home
Therapuetic Services at Home
Dietician
Our Dietitians are critical caregivers focusing on maximizing a patients' quality of life with personalized nutrition through comfort and symptom management.
Licensed Therapy
Physical
Occupational
Speech
Our therapists are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to provide the best care possible.
Comfort at End of Life
How to Provide Physical Comfort
Depending on the cause of the discomfort, there are things you can do to help make the dying person more comfortable.
For example, the person may be uncomfortable because of:
- Pain
- Breathing Problems
- Skin Irritation, Including Itching
- Digestive Problems
- Temperature Sensitivity
- Fatigue
Staying close to someone who is dying is often called keeping a vigil. It can be comforting to always be there, but it can also be tiring and stressful.
Unless your cultural or religious traditions require it, do not feel that you must stay with the person all the time. Have other family members or friends around and take turns sitting in the room.
Discomfort during the End of Life dying process can come from a variety of sources as explained.
Morphine & Painkillers ca be used to reduce discomfort
Morphine is an opiate, a strong drug used to treat serious pain. Sometimes, morphine is also given to ease the feeling of shortness of breath. Successfully reducing pain and addressing concerns about breathing can provide needed comfort to someone who is close to dying.
Side effects may include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- or Hallucinations
Don't be afraid to ask your doctors for a list of painkillers to help reduce the discomfort associated with dying. The goal is to relieve and reduce a person's discomfort as the natural functions of the body cease to function properly
IMPORTANCE of PRACTICAL TASKS
Provide Support for Practical Tasks
Many practical errands and household chores need to continue and be done at the end of life — BOTH to relieve the person who is dying and the other is to support the caregiver.
A person who is dying might be worried about who will take care of things when they are gone. A family member or friend can offer reassurance — "I'll make sure your African violets are watered," "Jessica has promised to take care of Bandit," "Dad, we want Mom to live with us from now on" — which will help reduce worry. of peace.
Remind the dying person that their personal affairs are in good hands.
Per previous discussion they will have their request and wishes carried out per plan so that may rest in comfort with dignity and "free of pain".
Everyday tasks will also be a source of worry for someone who is dying and will also be overwhelming to the caregiver.
A family member or friend can provide the caregiver with a much-needed break by helping with small daily chores around the house such as:
- picking up the mail
- writing down phone messages
- doing a load of laundry
- feeding the family pet
- or picking up medicine from the pharmacy.
Caregivers will also feel overwhelmed keeping close friends and family informed. A family member or friend can:
- help set up an outgoing voicemail message
- a blog
- an email list
- a private Facebook page
- or even a phone tree to help reduce the number of calls the caregiver must make. We provide round-the-clock care to ensure that your loved one is always comfortable and supported.
Mental & Emotional Comfort
End Of Life: Managing Mental & Emotional Needs
End-of-life care helps the dying person manage mental and emotional distress. It is important to treat emotional pain and suffering.
You can provide comfort by:
- Be present. Visit with the person. Communicate; ask them what they need. Listen attentively without the need to give an answer.
- Provide physical contact. Holding hands or gentle massage.
- Set a comforting mood. Use soft lighting and moments with less people.
- Play music at a low volume to help with relaxation and lessen pain.
- Talk or read to them, even if they can’t talk back.
Family and friends require comfort to cope with the loss of a loved one. As the 5 stages of grief are not linear, have no time frames and can vary in order, intensity and duration.
- Denial: The initial reaction to loss, where individuals may feel numb or in shock.
- Anger: Frustration and helplessness can lead to anger, which may be directed at others or oneself.
- Bargaining: The hope that the individual can avoid a cause of grief, often through negotiation or promises.
- Depression: A deep sense of loss and sadness as the reality of the situation sets in.
- Acceptance: Coming to terms with the loss, not implying happiness but rather a sense of peace
"What People Are SAYING "
As mom fell increasingly ill, I was overwhelmed. I'm so relieved
to have found Anodyne Hospice Care. They guided me every step of
the way, keeping me informed of what to expect and offering resources
and support in this difficult time. If I had to do it all over again, I would
still choose the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Anodyne Hospice.
Devin F. - Pleasanton, CA
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End-of-Life Care Resources