Dying, care of the

Physical and psychological care with the aim of making the final period of a dying person’s life as free from pain, discomfort, and emotional distress as possible. Carers may include doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, counsellors, social workers, clergy, family, and friends. Pain can be relieved by regular low doses of analgesic drugs. Opioid analgesics, such as morphine, may be given if pain is severe. Other methods of pain relief include nerve blocks, cordotomy, and TENS. Nausea and vomiting may be controlled by drugs. Constipation can be treated with laxatives. Breathlessness is another common problem in the dying and may be relieved by morphine. Towards the end, the dying person may be restless and may suffer from breathing difficulty due to heart failure or pneumonia. These symptoms can be relieved by drugs and by placing the patient in a more comfortable position. Emotional care is as important as the relief of physical symptoms. Many dying people feel angry or depressed and feelings of guilt or regret are common responses. Loving, caring support from family, friends, and others is important. Many terminally ill people prefer to die at home. Few terminally ill patients require complicated nursing for a prolonged period. Care in a hospice may be offered. Hospices are small units that have been established specifically to care for the dying and their families.