© Copyright John M. Cachat

Near Death Awareness

during End of Life

John M. Cachatjmc@directedmedical.com When someone we love is terminally ill, we are

often unprepared to deal with the experience

© Copyright John M. Cachat

Housekeeping

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block for questions Copy of presentation

available upon request

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Agenda

� Introduction

� The Caregiver’s Stress

� The Near Death Experience

� Summary

� Q&A

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Introduction

�Understanding the special

awareness, needs, and

communications of the

dying

�An impending death sends

ripples through all

relationships in the life of

the dying

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Introduction

We can begin to

understand messages by

keeping open minds and

listening carefully

Two issues

� Attempt to describe what is going on

� Request for something

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Near Death…..

� Near Death Experience –

happens suddenly, for

example drowning, a

traffic accident, or heart

attack

� Near Death Awareness –

develops slowly during

progressive illness

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Yesterday versus Today

� Being born and dying used to

be done in the home

� Then they became managed

by hospital protocol

� Fathers banned from delivery

� Dying patients placed in out of

the way rooms

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Today versus Tomorrow

There is a change underway, back

to yesterday….

� Birth is now a part of life, where to deliver, how to deliver, who they want present, etc.

� Dying patients are now seen as individuals that want control over their dying and it should be as peaceful and comfortable as possible for them and their family / friends

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Best Care Possible

Physical Emotional

Social Spiritual

End of Life

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The Caregiver’s Stress

� People react in different ways to the impending death of someone they love

� Old ways – grandparents died at home

� Today – death is not integral part of life, but a fearsome and unwelcome experience� We become spectators

� State of uncertainty

� Not sure what to do or how to do it or when to do it

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The Caregiver’s Stress

� What should I say?

� Just listen an accept

� What should I do?

� How deeply do you want to be involved?

� Why are they doing this?

� Just listen and learn and assist

� Why have they given up?

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Stages of Dying

Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

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The Near Death Experience

� I know I am dying…

� I am going to travel somewhere…

� There are some changes underway…

� I have seen someone / spoke with someone…

� I have some things to take care of…

� It is going to happen soon…

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When Death is Close

� Sleep more and, at times be difficult to awaken

� Lose his or her appetite

� Become confused about time

� Experience impaired hearing and vision

� Become restless

� Breathe irregularly

� Pulse may also get faster and more irregular

� Collect secretions at the back of the throat

� Have cool arms or legs, a pale face

15© Copyright John M. Cachat

Summary

� Provide information on

person’s background,

thoughts, life experiences

� Improve communication

so that stories can be

explained

� Document what is going

on – for now and for later

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Near Death Awareness during End of Life

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Contact:

John Cachat

jmc@directedmedical.com

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