Addressing End-of-Life With a Loved One
Medical professionals and counselors who deal with families facing end-of-life issues offer a few suggestions to the rest of us on “how to start a conversation” when we have a very sick loved one. They say the first thing to consider is having a conversation in one’s kitchen is a whole lot easier than having it in the hospital. It may also encourage your family to start the conversation if they learn that studies find families who have talked about it beforehand express less feelings of guilt after the person passes away. Moreover, they say they had an easier time grieving and were less likely to experience depression.
The type of questions to ask to get a conversation started include “what does the person value most about their life?” Other topics of discussion could be to find out what the person understands about their illness; what matters most to them at the end of life; how they want to handle medical decisions; and what their fears and physical needs are.
As a family member, you need to remember to practice active listening. It is important to leave your own views out of the discussion and try to understand what the person is feeling. Find out if they want to spend their last days at home; and who do they wish to be surrounded by as they face death. This is also a good time to encourage them to express their wishes regarding burial.
Ask if the person has an advanced directive, which is a legally binding document that gives instructions for healthcare if they are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions themselves. This can include their wishes around discontinuing treatment and medications; and saves the family from having to make difficult decisions.
At the top-rated MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful home features 48 assisted living suites including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. We provide an array of hospitality and senior care services, luxury amenities, and signature wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Contact us for more information about trusted senior apartments in Albuquerque, NM.
MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living,inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.
Source: aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2020/end-of-life-talk-care-talk.html
Discover MorningStar of Albuquerque
You may have found that there are several communities offering assisted living in Albuquerque, NM and may wonder what sets MorningStar apart from the others. To start with, we provide residents with beautiful surroundings with a full range of care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities to allow them to live life to the fullest.
MorningStar of Albuquerque’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities. Assisted living at MorningStar offers five levels of care along with a wide range of auxiliary medical and non-medical services. MorningStar is also proud to have earned a reputation as dementia care specialists in our 30+ communities offering memory care. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Albuquerque offers a holistic approach to caring for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
However, the thing that really sets us apart from other communities is our unique mission statement. MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior apartments that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.” Our three-pillared mission statement is to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our teams’ ability to serve well.
MorningStar’s extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest. Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services. Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service.
Please visit our website for more information about assisted living and memory care at MorningStar of Albuquerque. While you are there, use the link to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful home. We look forward to hearing from you.
MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.