The 411 on End of Life Care
Things to consider when a loved one is dying.
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What You Need to Know - Former South African President Nelson Mandela’s recent hospitalizations and ailing health the past months have shed light on a topic that we rarely speak about: end of life care. Read more about your options when a loved one’s life is nearing its end. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images/ Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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What Is End of Life Care? - End of life care is care that “provides physical, mental, and emotional comfort, as well as social support, to people who are living with and dying of advanced illness,” writes the National Institute on Cancer. (Photo: Blend Images/GettyImages)
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Know Their Wishes - Before your loved one is incapacitated or unable to speak, it’s important to know how they want to pass and what measures they want taken. It’s also important to have it all in writing, so that no on can dispute it. This will lead to less stress for your family in the end. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Hospice Care - Hospice care is care given to those who have six months or less to live. This kind of care is a combination of medical, psychological and spiritual support that aims at controlling pain, providing comfort and allowing for someone to die with dignity. (Photo: LWA/GettyImages)
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Home Care - Some people prefer to die at home, which means that someone in the home has to serve as the primary care giver — bathing, giving medications, monitoring pain, etc. Some people who have home care do have nurses come in the home to help as well. (Photo: Peter Essick/ GettyImages)
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