| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:End Of Life Protocol... | |
| Posted by: | Philippa Bond | |
| Date/Time: | 31/01/24 17:39:00 |
| The biggest problem of all is people not talking enough about death. It will eventually come to us all. Mouth care is very important when dying. You may not be able to eat but you can become very thirsty and your mouth and lips dry and uncomfortable and will eventually become unable to drink. It is the same when you come out from an operation and you desperately want a drink and your lips are dry but aren't allowed a drink BUT you can be given a sort of wet sponge on a stick (can't remember what they are called - possibly lollipops?) to suck and lipsalve is invaluable as otherwise you may get sore lips. I've always felt that everyone in hospital needs a friend - better still a relative. It can be easy to lose touch with what is happening outside/inside hospital if you are medicated and can't use your mobile and it may be difficult for non-relatives to find out any info. You may need someone to speak and act on your behalf. A busy hospital is unlikely to want masses of different people phoning up for information - so make arrangements between yourselves. I think Bernard is right about considering taking out a Lasting Power of Attorney and I think he means if you have any surviving relatives. You need more than just painkillers to be made comfortable. Please make sure your loved one is given mouth care. https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/Blogs/mouth-care-at-end-of-life-130723 |