Now we turn to end-of-life care. Last blog we talked about the U-turns available in your life and health. These can help you feel better and live healthier. We learned you can still make changes that have a positive impact on your overall health.
What about when a U-turn is not available?
What about when you get that diagnosis of:
- end stage cancer that can’t be treated
- end stage COPD
- end stage heart failure
- dementia
The U-turn is not available.
We can’t stop it. We won’t be able to turn it around. There are a number of conditions that at this moment have no cure or way to get rid of them.
When we run out of options, then the end of life becomes our focus. This is peaceful for some. It is frightening and a huge struggle for others. It impacts not only the person diagnosed but also all of their friends and family. Each person involved deals with a number of feelings during this time. There can be guilt, fear, conflict, regret, and grief, among others.
The support of others, education about what is happening, and sources of comfort are critical.
Resources for end-of-life
Following are some resources for everyone involved in end-of-life care.
- Support groups – There are support groups for most common diagnoses, for people with the diagnosis and for caregivers and family members, and for various stages of the condition.
- Caregiver stress and burden – Caring for a loved one near the end of life can be emotionally and physically exhausting. There are many resources that provide assistance (such as in-home care agencies) or respite (short term stays while the caregiver takes a break).
- Caregiver care – A caregiver can’t fully care for their loved one if they don’t also take care of themselves. Emotional, physical, and spiritual health need attention during this demanding time.
- Resources – Your community will have various agencies available to provide numerous sources of help. These include direct healthcare, legal guidance, financial aid, spiritual support, placement options, and more. If the person nearing end-of-life is over age 65, your local Agency on Aging could be a valuable source of lists of the resources available in your area.
- Palliative care – This is care that is focused on comfort and support to accomplish goals toward the end of life.
- Hospice is one form of palliative care. Your hospice organization can support you, provide education about current and future changes, and help you with preparation for all involved.
When the end-of-life can be anticipated (vs suddenly taken), there is an opportunity to prepare and fully live those final months or days.
For more information about end-of-life options, contact us at www.medsmash.com.
BIBLICAL APPLICATION
What’s different about the people that find peace in the end of life?
Romans 6:23 ESV
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This tells us that death of this life is not he end. It is only the beginning of eternity. What does that mean to you? Is it really true?
John 3:16 ESV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The hope we can take through those seasons of palliative care and hospice is the result of anticipating the end of this life and moving on to eternal life.
John 5:24 ESV
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
If this life is just the preamble to a life of eternity with Christ, then death loses its sting.
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray you find hope and peace as you ponder this perspective of death.
Blessings,
Michelle
yourhealthandsoul 