Providing care through the final days of a loved one’s life can be a challenging experience. We have put together some useful information on what to expect and how to improve quality of life as your loved one transitions back home.
Last stage of life (prognosis < 1 year)
Home care for loved ones involves juggling multiple responsibilities. The information provided here aims to support you and your loved one in keeping them comfortable, while also attending to your own needs as a caregiver.
How do I care for my loved one at home?
- Speak to your loved one’s hospital discharge team about providing better care for the following daily activities:
- Diaper change and skin care
- Wound care and dressing
- Transfer training, such as bed to chair
- Tube feeding
- Suctioning and using of the suction machine
- Any other day-to-day activities of concern
- Learn what the common symptoms are (e.g., pain, shortness of breath etc), the various treatment options and the types of medications required. There are different ways medications can be given (see here, under Medications & how to apply).
- Consult with your loved one’s medical team for advice on the proper caregiving training needed. Explore the AIC Caregiver Training course here to find out more on end-of-life care.
What support can my loved one receive from home palliative care?
- Check with your loved one’s medical team if an application to community care is needed. If an application is made, do remember to follow up on the status.
- Should your loved one be enrolled in home palliative care, a contact number will be shared with you on the first visit. This number is available to you in times of emergency, when you need clarity on caring for your loved one or, when faced with unanticipated situation. However, they are unable to provide 24-hour bedside nursing care.
- For more information on rates, subsidies and out-of-pocket expenses. Reach out to your home palliative care provider.
How to get the right medical equipment and devices?
- Speak to your loved one’s medical team on the medical equipment they may need, such as hospital beds, oxygen concentrators.
- For other service providers of medical equipment and devices, you can refer to the list of useful contacts at the Singapore Hospice Council website here.
What can I do to manage the feelings of both my loved one and myself?
- Show your support by reassuring them and making them comfortable by:
- Playing some soothing music
- Giving gentle massages
- Providing oral hygiene, eye care and skin care
- Learn more about how you can enhance the support for your loved one by referring to “What can I do at the bedside” here
- Improve your loved one’s mealtime experience, by making it more enjoyable through the use of colours, or providing smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. Find more ways by referring to ‘Nutrition in Advanced Illnesses’ here.
- Caregiving can be challenging physically, and mentally as well. While you provide care for your loved one, remember to practise self-care and be open to getting help from others. Do give yourself permission to take a break from time to time.
How to manage the final moments of my loved one’s life?
- There are some common signs and symptoms that one may show just before passing on. Understand the ‘Final Hour Guide’ by the Singapore Hospice Council, which provides information on the physical signs to look out for and how you can be there for your loved one in those final moments. Read the guide here.
Compassionate Discharge (prognosis < 7 days)
Moving your loved one back home is a huge decision. The information aims to support you in knowing what to expect and what you can do to make your loved one more comfortable in their final moments at home.
Is my loved one suitable for Compassionate Discharge (ComD)?
- Plan a discussion together with your loved one’s medical team about ComD. Special arrangements will need to be made for your loved one to spend final moments at home.
- Take note of the following before planning your loved one before planning your loved one for ComD:
- Check on the suitability for a ComD to home your loved one’s condition and care needs
- Caregiver coping strategies
- Types of support available at home
- Caregiver training
- Discharge logistics
- Home palliative care or hospice services and support
- For step-by-step instructions on how to make a special arrangement for your loved one to be transferred back home, check out this Compassionate Discharge Caregiver Factsheet by the Singapore Hospice Council here.
- A referral to home palliative care/ hospice would be made to be made to continue the support you and your loved one at home. If your loved one is discharged over the weekend, hospitals will discuss support options before the home hospice care team visits you on the following working day.
How can I get the right medical equipment and devices for my loved one?
- Speak to your loved one’s medical team if any medical equipment or devices is needed.
- Your loved one’s home palliative care or hospice providers can support you in acquiring the necessary equipment or device.
- For other service providers of medical equipment and devices, you can refer to the list of useful contacts at the Singapore Hospice Council website here.
Find support and useful information from this resource by the Singapore Hospice Council on ‘End-of-life care at home’ here.
Some information include:
- Support by home hospice providers for you and your loved one
- Identifying the physical signs during the ‘final hours’ and what to do to help your loved one feel assured and at peace
- Common symptoms (e.g. pain, shortness of breath) that your loved one may experience and the ways to ease their discomfort
- Learning the practical things when death occurs, such as knowing the tell-tale signs of death, arranging for a death certificate, letting others know of the passing and etc.
For more information on general hospital discharge or for other specialised treatments, please tap on one of the following:
Learn More
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