Skip to main content

Discussing End-of-Life With a Family Member


Medical professionals and counselors who deal with families facing end-of-life issues offer a few suggestions to the rest of us on “how to start a conversation” when we have a very sick loved one. They say the first thing to consider is having the conversation in one’s kitchen is a whole lot easier than having it in the hospital. It may also encourage your family to start the conversation if they learn that studies find families who have talked about it beforehand express less feelings of guilt after the person passes away. Moreover, they say they had an easier time grieving and were less likely to experience depression.

The type of questions to ask to get a conversation started include “what does the person value most about their life?” Other topics of discussion could be to find out what the person understands about their illness; what matters most to them at the end of life; how they want to handle medical decisions; and what their fears and physical needs are.

As a family member, you need to remember to practice active listening. It is important to leave your own views out of the discussion and try to understand what the person is feeling. Find out if they want to spend their last days at home; and who do they wish to be surrounded by as they face death. This is also a good time to encourage them to express their wishes regarding burial.

Ask if the person has an advance directive, which is a legally binding document that gives instructions for healthcare if they are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions themselves. This can include their wishes around discontinuing treatment and medications; and saves the family from having to make difficult decisions.

At the top-rated MorningStar at River Oaks, our beautiful home offers assisted living in Houston’s Upper Kirby District. Suites are available in a variety of floor plans featuring quartz countertops and custom cabinetry, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows. We provide an array of hospitality and senior care services, luxury amenities, signature wellness programs and a full calendar of activities. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living Houston offers. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Memory Care Communities Provide a Safe, Welcoming Home

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. Memory care communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as provide meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receives extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Apples for Senior Wellness

At senior living Kirkland , we’ve seen firsthand how small changes to a daily diet can make a big difference in overall health. One of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to support wellness is by adding apples to your routine. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients, apples can help fight inflammation, improve digestion, and boost heart health. Whether you prefer them fresh, baked, or blended into smoothies, apples are a smart addition to any meal plan. Natural Inflammation Fighters Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces chronic inflammation, which can worsen arthritis, heart disease, and other age-related conditions. Adding apples to your diet can help your body combat swelling and joint pain naturally. Some of our residents at senior housing Kirkland love keeping apple slices and almond butter on hand as an easy, anti-inflammatory snack. It’s both nutritious and satisfying and a great way to stay on top of wellness goals. Tip: Keep the peel o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Are You Ready for a Parent’s Unexpected Hospital Stay?

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden. Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history. Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be. Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages. Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-...
Post a Comment
Read more