Dying at Home

As the person with a terminal illness approaches death, their carers will have to respond to a variety of needs. These responses will include seeing that the person is comfortable, is free of pain, and has enough care and company so they don’t feel alone or anxious. The person should be given as much control in relation to their surroundings as is possible, with routines that they are familiar with.

As the person's condition deteriorates the visiting GP, PHN or Community Hospice/Palliative care Team will be able to answer any questions about the change, and can offer advice regarding any signs to expect that would be specific to each individual.

There are a number of publications that address the preparations and possible steps to take as carers seek to respond to the needs of their loved one and their own needs when the person they are caring for approaches death.

The Irish Cancer Society booklet A Time to Care examines some of the physical and emotional aspects that can present as a person is imminently dying.

The Irish Red Cross   Helping You to Care Handbookgoes into detail in relation to the practical considerations and preparations that may need to be addressed when a person is facing this journey, and also outlines the procedures that need to be taken when a person has died.  See excerpt of this book here.  Palliative Care HYTC Handbk_PALLIATIVE CARE.pdf (0.09 MB, Adobe PDF)  

As a person is approaching death it is important for carers to get the help they need from their GP, PHN or Hospice Home Care Team. In this way, the patient's symptoms are controlled, the dignity, respect and privacy of the individual are provided and maintained, the individual needs and preferences of the patient are ascertained and fulfilled insofar as possible, communication is optimised for all people involved, the patient and family feel unhurried and valued, and all carers are enabled and supported to deliver the highest standard of end-of-life care possible. The Hospice Friendly Hospital programme has produced some information material to assist families and friends in coping with the impact of a loved one's death.