the creation of documents, such as advanced care directives and living wills, that provide specific direction to health care providers in the event that a person is unable to communicate their wishes themselves.
the period of grief and mourning following the death of someone.
anyone who provides care for another person. They can tends to the needs and/or concerns of a person living with an illness, injury, mobility, or memory challenges. There are ‘informal’, meaning unpaid, and ‘formal’, paid, caregivers.
A program within a Hospice, hospital, Palliative Care unit, or Long Term Care that is especially designed to promote recreational, social, and therapeutic activities among people living with a progressive life-limiting illness how are living at home.
(DNR) a medical order signed by a doctor or nurse (RN) that instructs that no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed on the person who natural stops breathing, or their heart stops, due to a progressive life-limiting illness.
(EOL) usually refers to the last 2-3 weeks of life when someone is living with a progressive life-limiting illness that is incurable.
rituals help us mark, make sense of, and manage major life changes such as the death of someone we care about. Rituals are thought of as actions that expressed shared meaning, such as ceremonies, or activities.
the feelings the accompany a loss. They can be physical, psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, existential.
An approach of care that supports individuals living with a progressive life-limiting illness that is incurable, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. It focuses on caring for the whole person, their caregivers, and family. It can be provided in any setting, including individual’s homes, and Hospice Residences. Services can be provided at any time during the journey through the illness, with a focus on comfort and quality of life.
A setting where an individual will live in a private room to travel the journey of end-of-life until they die, usually within 3 months. Hospice residences provide 24 hour care with nursing, physician, social work, and volunteer support.
activities and conversations that help individuals, families, and caregivers review the life of someone who’s dying, or has died. They can create meaningful that serve as a living memory of the individual after they have died.
(MAiD) an advanced directive that permits someone living with a progressive life-limiting illness to end their life. The person must pass a two-step process that assesses their capacity and wishes to end their life. There are specific eligibility criteria associated with MAiD.
the external expressions of grief, such as funerals and memorialization
therapies, interventions, and medicines that serve to help someone feel most comfortable and focused on quality of life when they are living with a progressive life-limiting illness.
(PCU) a department ward, usually within a hospital, that specializes in caring for individuals who is living with a palliative diagnosis.
a legal document that gives someone you trust the right to make decisions about finances or healthcare. That person doesn’t have to be a lawyer.
an illness that is incurable, that is advancing, and will result in death.
care that provides short-term relief to primary caregivers so that they can rest. I can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. It can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility, or at an adult day program.