Last Days and Hours - Predeath 101
Course Number: LDMonline113
Start Date: TBD
Instructor: Kath Murray
Read the interview with Kath Murray as she talks about the course "Last Days and Hours"
Overview
In the same manner that prenatal classes help prepare women for birthing, information on the last days and hours can help patients and caregivers anticipate and participate in the last days and hours. We will identify common physical changes, examine psychosocial implications, and develop strategies to support patient and family comfort throughout this process.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand and discuss with colleagues or "family members" (in real or role play situations):
- Physical changes that may occur in last days and hours
- Comfort measures to facilitate a comfortable death
- Psychosocial implications (for family members) of physical changes experienced by the dying person
- The importance of food in family and in cultural context
- Ways family can nourish and support an individual when the body is less able to tolerate food and fluids
- Components of delirium and changes in mentation that may occur as death nears
- "Near death awareness" and "symbolic communication" that may occur prior to death
- Guidelines for working with families when "final gifts" occur.
Course Texts
Final Gifts, by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, Bantam Books. Available at many bookstores or through Amazon.
Supplementary
Essentials in Hospice Palliative Care, 2nd Edition, Katherine Murray. Available for ordering online
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