Opting to care for a terminally ill family member means that you may have to learn how to operate a variety of medical equipment.
When a loved one receives a terminal illness diagnosis, the news can devastate family members. But after the initial shock of grief has passed, it is important to make arrangements for the ill person to ensure that his or her end stage of life is as comfortable as possible.
If that person lives with you or if you will play a role in providing care in the time that remains, you may have is become familiar with learning how to operate or monitor various kinds of equipment that the doctor may prescribe for tending the sick person. These can include a wheel chair, a Foley catheter (for monitoring urine output), a feeding tube, or a suctioning device for clearing the lungs. Since most non-medical personnel are not familiar with handling these items, it is a good idea to learn how they work so you can make sure they do not break or fail in their tasks.
The first thing to do is to talk with the visiting nurse or hospice worker about the treatments that will be involved in your loved one's care. Medical staff can explain in simple terms what each machine is and what it is expected to do. He or she may even demonstrate its use to show how it works. Be sure you understand how one item differs from another. Also check the sterile technique that may be required for handling this equipment. Wash your hands often and try to keep the area as germ-free as possible. You may need to wear a sterile gown or clean the room frequently.
Another facet to consider is cost. If you are responsible for managing the patient's financial and medical decisions through a power of attorney form, ask about the cost of using this equipment as well as determining how the costs will be paid. Often an older person has Medicare or Medicaid in lieu of or in addition to other types of medical coverage. Most if not all treatments and equipment use should be covered under plans like these, but you need to find out for sure ahead of time.
When ordering or purchasing medical supplies, arrange an area of your home or the patient's room for storage. You don't want a wheelchair sitting in the living room where the kids can play with it and possibly cause damage. A corner or a closet may have just enough room to accommodate this important item. Otherwise, you can cover it with a blanket or a tarp when it is not in use or sternly warn the kids about playing on it. The same goes for other types of equipment as well.
Always explain to the patient what you are doing and why. Even if she is unconscious, a few words may help to relieve any underlying anxieties in case she is semi-conscious with the ability to hear. Keep good records of any treatments you provide, using the date and time for each. Also track any problems, delays, or replacement parts in your notes in case this information is needed later.
Caring for a very ill person is challenging, especially when you care about that person. Make sure you know how to use, store, and sterilize the equipment that will be used during those final days to be sure your loved one gets the best possible care.
