When we come to our last days, it can be hard for family members to see us in a degenerative state. We may be lucky to remember the names of our closest loved ones as the effects of medications and dementia mute our expressions.
Family dynamics during this period can be difficult as loved ones are forced to start planning for a funeral in light of a terminal illness. Please read the suggestions below to help your family navigate end-of-life family dynamics:
Ease the Burden by Planning in Advance
A great way of easing the financial and emotional burdens on family and friends is planning your funeral well in advance. When you plan for your final days, you eliminate the bickering between loved ones who may believe that they have your best interests in mind.
You can also plan where you would prefer to be in your final days. Would you rather live in a senior home if you develop dementia? Or would prefer for a family member to receive federal compensation to provide home care? Or would you rather a professional caretaker visit you and help you even if you are feeble in your final years?
By planning for a time when you may be declared unfit to decide such matters for yourself, you can ensure that you are provided with the comforts or care of your choosing. And you can bring your family together in dark times to resolve the difficulties your illness poses.
Choosing the memorial you desire can also ensure that your grave is visited more frequently and that cherished memories live on forever and pass down from generation to generation. It is a wonderful thing to be honored by your family and respected as a fountain of joy and wisdom throughout their lives.
Communicate Clearly with Relatives
When a member of the family is experiencing terminal illness and requires burdensome care, it may not resonate with family members who are far away. They may not understand the gravity of the impact or feel obligated to assist. By providing them with graphic video to show how a loved on is incapacitated, the virtual visit may help to communicate the extent of the burdens they are under.
Find Expert Assistance
There are licensed therapists who work with people experiencing end-of-life events. These experts can assist patients and families in dealing with the emotional trauma that comes after a loved one has a stroke or is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Sometimes we just need to address our feelings and come to an understanding of how we can constructively deal with those emotions. Talking to experts can also help families to make better decisions about choosing the right setting for the patient and managing their affairs.
Social workers at hospices are often trained and experienced in dealing with family issues related to the diminishing health of their loved one. They are often the most sympathetic and understand the burdens that such an illness can have on the family.
Author Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
