End of Life Care in Yardley PA: You might think that choosing end-of-life care is something that your loved one’s doctor might do on his own, but there are other factors to consider and other people who might be involved in the decision.
The decision to move your loved one to end-of-life care is a big one. This type of care offers tremendous benefits to your loved one, but there may be more people that need to be involved in the decision than you realize. Figuring out who should be involved in this process can help everyone quite a bit.
Your Loved One, if She’s Able
Just because your loved one is nearing the end of her life, that doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s unable to make decisions about the type of care she prefers. It’s entirely possible, in fact, that your loved one can assist readily with this decision. Also, your loved one may have given you or someone else very specific requirements for when this type of care is something that she wants.
Her Designated Healthcare Proxy
One way that your loved one might have given those specific requirements for future care is by designating a healthcare proxy and filling out advance directives or signing a healthcare power of attorney. Chances are very good that if you’re your loved one’s primary family caregiver, she may have made you her healthcare proxy. It’s also possible that you share those duties with someone else.
Family Members
Your loved one might be open to discussing this plan with other family members, too. Holding a family meeting might be the easiest way to educate family members about end-of-life care and what it can do for your loved one. If they don’t understand what this type of care entails, they can get the information they need to help you and your loved one make the right decision.
Her Medical Team
Her medical team might make suggestions about end-of-life care, but the ultimate decision may not rest with them entirely. Talk to your loved one’s doctors to determine what they recommend and to see if there are other options for care that might fit your loved one’s situation. Talking through the situation can help you to determine if this is the right option for your loved one.
Knowing who your loved one wants to have involved in this process can help everyone to come to a decision faster about end-of-life care.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering end of life care in Yardley, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.
Michael Drew, LNHA
Michael Drew LNHA is the administrator of Serenity Hospice PA, servicing the greater Bensalem and Philadelphia areas. In this capacity, he leads and inspires the company’s mission of providing quality and compassionate end-of-life care and supportive services for patients and their families, and to enhance their quality of life. Michael’s hallmark is his genuine concern for patients and his dedication to meeting their needs.
A veteran of providing quality healthcare, Michael has served with distinction in a variety of leadership capacities for nearly two decades, notably as administrator for several Skilled Nursing Facilities in New Jersey. Known as an innovative and solution-oriented individual, Michael has his finger on the pulse on new trends and concepts in providing quality care.
