10 Ways to Improve Quality of Life for End-of-Life Patients
At Oregon Care Link, we want end-of-life care to be more than just as comfortable as possible.
We want it to be a beautiful experience that you and your loved one will treasure eternally.
After all, they lived an incredible life, took care of so many people themselves, solved so many problems, endured so many challenges…
They deserve some pampering during their final days!
If you’re looking for ideas on how to make your loved one feel special as they near the end of their physical journey (or if you’re an awesome, client-centered caregiver), we’ve got ten of them for you!
Put their slippers and sweater in the dryer for 5-10 minutes before waking them.
It’s difficult enough to get up from a warm bed when your body is tired and you’re in pain. If your loved one is still getting out of bed to use the bathroom or eat meals, this small gesture will help make the experience cozier for them. If they’re bedridden, you could put their blanket in the dryer instead, or use a microwaveable bean bag.
Place fresh flowers from their yard on the dining table or their tray table.
If your client is blessed enough to receive hospice care at home, they might have flowers growing in their yard. Consider stepping out into their garden for a few minutes to make a small arrangement. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just a few blooms placed in a small glass will create some cheer. Even things like colored leaves during the fall season arranged around their place setting will help them feel more connected to the season.
Serve meals on the fine China, and provide fancy cloth napkins if available.
There isn’t a better occasion to bring out the best dishes than someone’s last days. So, clean out the China cabinet and make use of those gorgeous dishes (with permission, of course). Just remember that some of those crystal goblets can get too heavy for them to lift without assistance. The old-fashioned teacups are often much lighter in weight than regular mugs, though.
Prepare homemade meals, made from scratch, whenever possible.
Boxed meals and canned soups often taste bland, and when someone is already dealing with a low appetite, aren’t going to help them feel like eating. If you’re a caregiver, there may not be many options around your client’s home, but consider asking family members to pick up a few items on the way over. Things like homemade meatloaf or chicken noodle soup are relatively simple to make, comforting, and may even bring back fond memories for them.
Bring a family photo to the table and ask them questions about it.
If you’re loved one is still verbally communicating, this is a great time to learn more about the family history and their life experience. For caregivers, it can be an awesome conversation starter when you’re not sure what to talk about with clients. Even if you don’t discuss the photo, it helps remind them of their treasured moments and favorite people.
Find out their favorite book and read it to them when they’re awake.
Hearing is the last sense to go. It can bring comfort to a dying person to listen to a story that delighted them, or especially to calming scriptures from their religion to bring them peace as they pass away into the afterlife.
Take them outside in the sunshine at least once a day, if it’s possible and they want to go. If not, keep their blinds open for most of the day so they can see outside.
Fresh air, trees rustling in the breeze, birds chirping, bees buzzing, the blue sky…all simple joys that we often take for granted. However, when a person ages, they begin to see and feel nature as never before, with a childlike delight. If they are bedridden, it’s good for them to look out the window and get some natural light shining into their room, whether they’re awake or not. You might also consider changing up the scenery in their room from day to day, such as photographs or a different blanket with a new design.
Play music from their youth.
For those in their 90’s, that would be the 1940s. For those in their 80’s, that would be the 1950s. Technology has made it easy to find and play songs from the past. Music is connected to so many of our memories and is such great medicine for the soul! Often, you will see them smile and light up when they hear their favorite songs. Don’t underestimate how much of a difference it makes, even when they’re actively passing. Especially if a close friend or family member plays something meaningful while saying “goodbye.”
Give them a hand or foot massage.
Practice giving soothing massages to a friend or family member, watch YouTube videos, and gently rub their sore areas with warm lotion. Just make sure to use upward strokes to return the blood flow to the heart and be careful with neuropathy patients (check with their healthcare provider first). Massage helps circulation, relieves pain and discomfort, and relaxes both the body as well as the mind. Consider setting up a session for them with a professional.
Offer small lollipops in a variety of flavors.
Some of those liquid medications taste pretty bad, and while water can help wash it down their throat, it doesn’t always help get the bad taste out of their mouth. Many end-of-life clients can choke easily, so instead of hard candy, lollipops (like dum-dums and charms) might work better. If they’re not able to hold the stick then you can. When they’re done, simply wrap them in a tissue and discard them. It’s a simple way to help them remember their favorite flavors and enjoy a treat when they’re unable to eat actual desserts anymore.
