End-of-Life Issues
Accidents, the wear and tear of prolonged chronic illness, an unexpected, catastrophic health event – all of these things can lead to the final stage of life. When given the choice, most elders indicate they would prefer to die at home.
“All of us in the [family] are fans of Mature Options. In 2008, when my mother was beginning what turned out to be her final crisis, Mature Options was there to help us decide if we should or even could care for her at home. As her condition worsened, Mature Options assisted us in monitoring and understanding her care. At the end, Mature Options facilitated our discussions in making the big decision, whether to put my mother into hospice. None of it was pleasant, but it was so much easier with Mature Options at our side.”
Son & attorney
End-of-life issues pose a number of complex questions.
- How do we know that he won’t get better?
- Will we be able to meet her physical care needs?
- What would Mom or Dad want us to do?
- Do I have the emotional stamina to see this through?
Hospice professionals help families address many of these questions, but 24-hour care responsibility still rests with family members or paid caregivers.
Meet Mrs. Harris
The Situation
She has been ill for months, in and out of the hospital having procedure after procedure. Her physician says nothing more can be done. You know your Mom wants to go home, but you’re not sure if you have the physical and emotional stamina required to take care of her. The rest of the family live out of the area, but are available to help.
The Solution
Mature Options helped the client’s family members explore their feelings related to the impending death of their mother and wife and suggested they interview two hospice providers. After deciding on a hospice provider, the family contracted with Mature Options for home care services at night, so that family members could rest.
