Caring for Terminally Ill Patients and their Caregivers

Even in healthcare settings, death is (understandably) really uncomfortable to talk about. Most of us don’t want to think about our own death, let alone that of our loved ones. It’s hard– but that’s what makes these conversations so important to have in advance.

End of life care can be very stressful for both patients and families. Having conversations about wishes for end of life care now can make this difficult time a little less stressful later. With the current pandemic, a lot of people aren’t even able to have their family around them, which I think we can all agree sounds even more difficult.

Care for Terminally Ill Patients

One of the most important things you can do, even if you are healthy right now, is to fill out advance directives. You can find New York’s here, and every other state’s here. These forms basically document your wishes about end of life care– what you would want in the event you can’t speak for yourself, who can make decisions about your healthcare, etc. While it can be really hard to fill these out and think about a time when they might need to be used, completing them and knowing that neither yourself or your family will be burdened with stressful decision-making is worth taking the time.

When patients are in the last few months of life, hospice is one of the options available to them. In Albany, the Community Hospice provides hospice services to patients at home, in nursing facilities, and also in St. Peter’s hospital at the Hospice Inn.

Visiting Angels is another option for in-home care, especially for people who want to remain as independent as possible. You can schedule visits and create a care plan to help with daily activities, providing company, and helping with meals and medications.

There are a couple more end of life care options that I have listed on a separate post here.

Supporting Caregivers

Caregiver burden can really affect the health of family caregivers and also patients. It’s important that caregivers get the support and relief they need when caring for a loved one– here are some resources in Albany for caregiver support, including a support group. Having been a caregiver myself, I know it can be really relieving to talk to people that have or are experiencing similar stresses.

Caregiving during a pandemic can be even more difficult– the CDC has listed some helpful tips for caregiving at this time to try and prepare for staying at home for a longer period of time. If you are caregiving for someone, it’s important to check in with yourself from time to time and recognize when you need a break. It can be really hard to ask for help, but doing it all alone also gets really overwhelming really fast. On the other hand, if you know someone that is a caregiver, make sure you take some time to ask them if they need anything (picking up medications, groceries) and what you can do to help.

While end of life care has always been a part of healthcare, I think this pandemic has increased awareness of its importance and brought it to everyone’s attention a little more. These conversations and experiences will always be difficult, but thankfully there are some resources that can help make sure patients and families receive support as they go through it.

19,472 thoughts on “Caring for Terminally Ill Patients and their Caregivers

  1. Your blog is one of a kind, i love the way you organize the topics. Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.Keep trying for the best. – 24kbet

    Reply

  2. Introduction: Libonex Ingredients is a
    dietary supplement that claims to support brain health and cognitive function.
    This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the ingredients found in Libonex
    and their potential benefits for consumers.

    Reply

  3. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! Face 3 Face

    Reply

  4. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!

    By the way, how could we communicate?

    Also visit my blog – monthly Coffee subscription

    Reply

  5. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! LUMI777

    Reply

  6. Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m
    impressed! Extremely useful information specially the final phase 🙂 I care for
    such information much. I used to be seeking this
    particular info for a very lengthy time. Thank you and good luck.

    my website … carinsurancetips2.z1.web.core.windows.net

    Reply

  7. Having read this I believed it was very informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy
    to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Look into my blog; my free cams

    Reply

  8. We will write 100% unique articles on your website ' s niche and post them in dofollow sites . SEO

    Reply

  9. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, old vintage signs

    Reply

  10. Overall, WW88 provides a comprehensive and engaging online gaming experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its diverse offerings. However, players should ensure that the platform is properly licensed and regulated to guarantee a fair and secure gaming environment. ww88

    Reply

  11. Essential-Hoodies operates from both the USA and China. Our primary goal is to deliver top-quality products at the most competitive prices available in the market. We proudly function as a factory outlet, complete with our own warehouse situated in China. Essential Hoodies

    Reply

  12. Instantaneously the web page may irrefutably find popular very involving putting up shoppers, for the careful content pages or perhaps important testimonials. 酒精助眠

    Reply

  13. Thanks for taking the time to talk about this, I feel fervently about this and I take pleasure in learning about this topic. Please, as you gain information, please update this blog with more information. I have found it very useful. There have to be charging stations everywhere.

    Reply

  14. Thanks for taking the time to talk about this, I feel fervently about this and I take pleasure in learning about this topic. Please, as you gain information, please update this blog with more information. I have found it very useful. There have to be charging stations everywhere. AI-driven language courses

    Reply

  15. Hiya very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?
    I’m satisfied to find a lot of useful info here within the publish, we’d like work out
    more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . .
    . .

    Feel free to surf to my webpage … sex – Mervin

    Reply

  16. Hempified CBD
    is a renowned brand in the wellness industry, known for its high-quality CBD products.

    With a wide range of products designed to promote
    overall health and wellness, Hempified CBD has carved a niche for
    itself in the market.

    Reply

  17. That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Simple but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing this one.

    A must read post!

    My web site :: RebirthRO newbie guide

    Reply

  18. Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with
    hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    my web blog … คอร์สเรียนดำน้ำ

    Reply

  19. Terrific work! This is the kind of info that
    are meant to be shared across the web. Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning
    this post higher! Come on over and talk over with
    my website . Thanks =)

    Here is my web blog: link slot online terpercaya

    Reply

  20. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve
    worked hard on. Any suggestions?

    Here is my blog post: Car framed posters

    Reply

  21. Download instagram pro APK; an Instagram free follower app. Downloading Insta up APK coins, you can increase your followers, likes and comments.

    Reply

  22. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and
    I was curious about your situation; many of us have
    created some nice practices and we are looking to swap techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot
    me an email if interested.

    Also visit my web page; نقل سيارات السعودية

    Reply

  23. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read.

    Reply

  24. extraordinary records sharing .. i’m very glad to read this newsletter .. thanks for giving us undergo info.excellent excellent. I respect this submit. visit the website

    Reply

  25. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It is the old what goes around comes around routine. Evanston dentist office

    Reply

  26. The problem was solved just in time before my vacations! Everything remains so good with them! I am glad that I chose them for my work! Amazing! togel online

    Reply

  27. I appreciate the effort you put into researching and writing this article. The information is both comprehensive and easy to follow. News Ator Blogs

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *