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Knowing what to expect at life's end can help people plan.
(Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian)
Few among us like to think about death, our own or that of a loved one. But there comes a time when it's the thing to do, and the National Institutes of Health offers a new web-based resource to help guide us through issues typically faced by the dying and those caring for them.
The goal: to help people know what to expect in life's final stage so they can plan for it.
The End of Life module, as the feds call it, describes the physical, mental and emotional needs common as life's end approaches. It suggests ways to make those final months, weeks and days be the best they can be, with information on home care and hospice.
Also discussed are financial issues, advance directives, support for caregivers. The module includes information on pain management, coping with grief and other issues.
-- Katy Muldoon