^{Photo by Tara Winstead}

Even in the last moments, a person’s life matters. Given this, it’s only essential to know the significance and special qualifications of a suitable and excellent hospice care provider.

Not everyone goes through the same death experience. For some, it can come quickly without warning, arriving suddenly in a seemingly painless way that can be deemed a fortunate ending. “At least they didn’t feel pain during their last hours.” But for others, the less fortunate ones, death can be drawn-out, happening at a begrudging pace. People can experience lingering in a near-death situation for days, some even months.

During these moments, one might wonder what the other person feels or thinks. Do they still even have the capacity to think? For instance, with people in vegetative states, it’s easy to assume they’re not aware of their surroundings as much as they’re motionless while looking at their condition. As the name goes, they’re living but probably don’t feel anything or aren’t conscious of anything.

However, not everyone in a near-death situation experiences this. For some, their bodies might be weakened to an inactive state, but their minds often stay alert and responsive. They might still be aware of what happens around them, only that they can’t physically react to what’s done toward them. Imagine being terminally ill with a still alert mind receiving unfavorable treatment. The patient would want to complain, feeling uncomfortable and even suffering from what they’re receiving. But they simply can’t. Imagine being in this state of suffering, unable to respond and ask for better treatment.

Whether these people can actively express their dissatisfaction or not, finding the perfect hospice care provider is crucial.

Hospice care is the perfect option to ensure that terminally ill people receive the best care possible. This kind of care provides more than simple assistance to routines. Instead, they focus on improving these people’s quality of life even in the slightest bit. Their life-limiting illness can cause them to not only physically deteriorate but also severely impact their mental health and perspective on life. Effective caregivers provide compassion and empathize with these people so they can live as comfortably as possible.

Others may not feel constant physical pain, but this doesn’t mean their discomfort should be invalidated or will be any lesser. After all, the thought that at any moment they may pass on will be haunting them. Depending on what causes their discomfort, these care providers should be ready to make adjustments and make them more comfortable.

For instance, the most common pain terminally ill patients will experience is pain. Undeniably, regardless of what illness they’re suffering from, the pain will always be a company. Having to struggle with pain constantly can be draining and frustrating. This can cause the dying person to become highly irritable and short-tempered. Fortunately, caregivers can alleviate this stress by helping these people manage their pain. With these people, consequences for drug dependency are the least of their worries. Hence, they can be given as many pain relievers to help decrease their pain.

On the other hand, if the discomfort is primarily caused by depression about their situation, care providers can be extra compassionate toward them. Treating these mental issues is just as important as alleviating physical stress. The family or directly affected individual might consider having a counselor, or the care provider can accompany and distract them from the pain. Some medicines even help relieve mental stress.

Dying will always be scary. Even if the person shows no signs of fear, it won’t be a surprise that they’re hiding these under a brave façade. Nobody else but the person experiencing them can take these fears away. The only way caregivers can reduce these fears is by always being there with the individual, reminding them that even if their fears do come true, they will have a shoulder to cry on and a person to be vulnerable with.

Most of these dying people may have their last wishes or bucket list they want to accomplish before running out of time. While this can be outside the scope and responsibilities of a care provider, they can encourage and go along with their activities. This makes them realize that they aren’t alone throughout their journey, making them happier and less worried about whatever happens next.

These hospice care providers’ jobs aren’t easy. Not only are they physically taxing, but they can also be mentally draining. Always being available to assist a dying person who’s already hopeless can also influence someone’s mental state. They might not be feeling the patient’s physical symptoms, but they can be swayed to emotionally handle what the other is feeling, bearing their burden with the patient. Hence, it’s also vital that care providers take care of their mental health beyond knowing how to take care of others.