Dealing W ith T he F amily of T erminally Ill People The families of terminally ill people have a tough road to walk. Because the reality can be hard and devastating, it may be very difficult to comfort them. In their grief the family goes through stages like the dying person goes through. It is important that Home Care Assistants know this and that they not take anything said or done personally, especially when anger is at the forefront. How Home C are Assistants C an H elp T he F amilies O f T he T erminally Ill
HCAs can assist by: understanding what they are going through; treating them with courtesy & respect; showing feelings to them by being available and considerate; using touch to show concern; respecting their right to privacy; allowing them to participate in the care of their dying family member; and, being supportive.
Signs that Death is Near When working with the terminally ill, Home Care Assistants should be familiar with the signs of approaching death, which can have a rapid onset or develop gradually: As the body dies, the following may be noted: Sensation, Muscle Tone & Movement
Gastrointestinal
Body Temperature
Respiratory System
sensation, muscle tone & movement disappear starts in the feet and legs and then spreads to the rest of the body jaw drops as the muscles of the mouth relax mouth may stay open face has a peaceful expression peristalsis slows down or quits (Peristalsis is a series of contractions that move food through the digestive tract.) incontinence occurs stool may bind up nausea vomiting temperature increases as circulation slows down person feels cool or cold person looks pale person perspires heavily pulse is fast, weak & irregular blood pressure drops respirations gradually increase in rate and depth and then become shallow and slow mucous collects in the respiratory tract, which causes the “death rattle� to Be heard
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