Understanding the special awareness, needs, and communications of the dying An impending death sends ripples through all relationships in the life of the dying

1. © Copyright John M. Cachat
Near Death Awareness
during End of Life
John M. Cachat
jmc@directedmedical.com When someone we love is terminally ill, we are
often unprepared to deal with the experience

2. © Copyright John M. Cachat
Housekeeping
Phones are muted
Use the question
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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© Copyright John M. Cachat
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

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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
&
Contact:
John Cachat
jmc@directedmedical.com
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