End of Life Care Plan

The main event at the end of life is dying, not the prolongation of life. Having an end of life care plan is paramount to ease tension and suffering.

Last hours: Symptom Control.

• Air hunger, constipation, confusion, depression
• Vomiting and nausea, anxiety, back pain

Medical equipment at home

• Suction
• Oxygen- if it has been in use

Nursing support at home

• Caregivers, hospice team, home health nurse

Letting the patient let go

• Easy to say
• Hard to do

Cultural variables very strong in dealing with the corpse immediately after death

• Sitting with the corpse
• Bathing the corpse

Reporting the death:

• May call the doctor: contact information
• May call the mortician: contact information