Relieve symptoms of dying patients

Death can come suddenly, or slowly as a person slowly fades away. For some people who are older at the end of life, the body weakens while the mind is still awake. Others are still physically healthy, but the cognitive loss has major effects. Although everyone is dying and possibly dying, each loss is felt in a unique way.
Caring for the dying is a term used to describe medical support and care during the time of death. Such care does not just occur in the moment before breathing and cardiac arrest. Older adults often live with one or more chronic illnesses and need care for days, weeks, or even months before they die.
There are many ways to care for a dying person . Such care often requires the coordination of a whole group of people. If you're reading this, you might be part of such a group.
Being someone's carer at the end of life can be physically and mentally exhausting. Finally, accept that there may not be a perfect death, as long as you can do what's best for the person you love. And, the pain of losing someone close to you may ease a bit because you did everything you could.
COVID-19 and Caring for the Dying
Caring for a loved one at the end of life may be more challenging due to the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing and travel restrictions guidelines, dying people may not receive the best care. However, you can still provide them with mental or emotional comfort from a distance.

There are many ways to make a dying person feel more comfortable. Their discomfort can come from a variety of issues. What a loved one or healthcare provider can do will vary, depending on the cause. For example, a dying person might be upset because:

Watching someone you love die is hard enough, but thinking that person is also experiencing pain makes it worse. Facing intense pain can leave the dying person exhausted. Experts believe that caring for the dying should focus on pain relief without worrying about the long-term problems that can result from drug dependence or abuse.
Don't be afraid to use more pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor. Pain should be prevented and severe pain is really difficult to control. Contact your doctor or nurse if the pain is not controlled. Medicines can be increased or changed type. If this still does not help, consult a medical professional in the field of palliative care.
Morphine is an opiate, a powerful drug used to treat severe pain. Sometimes, morphine is also given to ease the feeling of shortness of breath. Pain relievers can make you confused or drowsy. You may have heard that morphine injections lead to faster death. Is that true? Most experts consider this unlikely, especially if dose increases are done carefully, under the supervision of a physician.

Shortness of breath is a common feeling among dying patients. Elevate the nightstand, open a window, use a humidifier, or let a fan circulate the air in the room. Sometimes, morphine or other pain relievers can help relieve shortness of breath.
People who are dying may also have noisy breathing, sometimes called a rattle. It is caused by increased secretions in the throat or by the relaxation of the throat muscles. You can try turning the patient to lie on their side. It is worth noting that this noisy breathing does not usually cause discomfort to the dying person.

Skin problems can be very annoying. With age, skin naturally becomes drier and more fragile, so it's important to take extra care of it. Gently applying an alcohol-free moisturizer can soothe dry skin.
Dry skin of the face, lips, and eyes, which can be a common cause of discomfort in dying patients. Lip balm can help keep this from getting worse. A damp cloth over closed eyes can relieve dryness. If the inside of the mouth seems dry, you can give it shaved ice (if the person is conscious) or wipe the inside of the mouth with a damp cloth or cotton ball.
Sitting or lying in one position for a long time can put constant pressure on the sensitive skin, causing painful sores, sometimes called pressure sores. When the sore first forms, the skin will change color or darken. Pay close attention to these changes in the skin of the heels, hips, lower back, and back of the head. Turning from side to side and side to side every few hours can help prevent bed sores. Try placing a foam pad under your heels or elbows to elevate off the bed and relieve pressure. Keeping skin clean and hydrated is always important.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation and loss of appetite are common problems at the end of life. The causes and treatment of these symptoms are varied, so talk to your doctor or nurse right away. There are medications that can control nausea or vomiting and relieve constipation, a common side effect of strong pain relievers.
If the dying patient wants to eat but is too tired or weak, you can feed. To tackle anorexia, try gently feeding your favorite foods in small amounts. Eat small meals instead of three large meals throughout the day.
Do not force a dying person to eat too much. The absence of food or water is usually painless, and eating can add to the discomfort. Loss of appetite is a common and normal part of dying people. Swallowing can also be a problem, especially for people with dementia.

Dying patients are often unable to tell if they are too hot or too cold, so look out for clues. For example, a person who is too hot may repeatedly try to remove the blanket. You can then take off the blanket and put a cool towel over your head.
If a person is stooping, pulling the covers up or even shivering - it could be a sign of a cold. Make sure there are no drafts, raise the room temperature and cover with another blanket. Avoid using electric blankets as they can overheat and cause burns.

Complete hospice care includes helping the person manage mental and emotional distress. It is understandable that someone who is sober near the end of life may feel depressed or anxious. It is important to treat emotional pain and distress. Encourage conversation about feelings. If depression or anxiety is severe, medication may help.
A person who is losing his life may also have some specific fears and anxieties. The person may fear the unknown or worry about what is left behind. Some people fear being alone in their final days. This feeling can be made worse by the understandable reactions of family, friends, and even the medical team.
For example, when family and friends don't know how to help, sometimes they stop visiting. Or, some have begun to grieve and withdraw. Doctors can feel helpless because they can't save their patients. Some seem to avoid seeing a dying patient. This can add to a dying person's sense of isolation. Simple physical acts like holding hands, touching or gently massaging — can make a dying person feel connected to the people they love.
Some experts believe that when death is near, music at low volume and soft lighting will be very calming. In fact, near the end of life, music therapy can improve mood, help with relaxation, and reduce pain. Listening to music can also bring up memories that those present may share. For some people, minimizing distracting noises like television and radio.
Often it is enough for family, relatives, and friends to be present with the dying person. Your quiet presence can be a simple and profound gift to the dying.