SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS DYING
Although it is impossible to totally prepare for a death, a death may be made easier if you know what to expect. This pamphlet may be helpful in preparing you as family and/or caregiver to understand the final stage of life. It is important to discuss your concerns and fears with those around you, both your family and health care providers. These people can help you make choices with or for your loved one and can inform you about other services that are available to support you.
Death is a natural process as the body begins shutting down. The following physical and emotional signs of approaching death are described to help you understand what can happen. Not all these signs and symptoms will occur with every person nor will they occur in any particular sequence. This section is intended only as a guide. It is not intended to replace advice given by a health care professional, such as a nurse, physician, clergy, social worker, CCAC case manager or pharmacist.
The following was written for those caring for a loved one in Windsor and the County of Essex in Ontario, Canada. The procedures followed prior to and after death by nurses, physicians and funeral directors will be different from County to County, Province to Province and State to State. If your loved one is Living with a terminal disease you should ask your physician and funeral director what the procedures are in your area.
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF APPROACHING DEATH
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF APPROACHING DEATH
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many thanks to the following Palliative Care colleagues for their review of this booklet or their contributions and reflections:
Members of: Essex/ Kent/ Lambton Tricounty Coalition, Long Term Care Committee of Caring Connections, Thunder Bay, ON; Windsor & Essex County Palliative Care Committee; Halton Palliative Care Resource Group.
Prepared by Ida Tigchelaar, RN, Coordinator, Windsor & Essex County Palliative Care Initiatives of The Ministry of Health & Long Term Care.
We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Purdue Frederick in the funding of the reproduction of this booklet.
The information in this booklet may be copied and shared.
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THE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
FROM WHOM WE HAVE LEARNED
SO MUCH , AND TO ALL THOSE
WHO CARE FOR THEM
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