Description:
This module focuses on care at the actual time of death, emphasizing the preparation necessary to insure the best care at this critical event in the trajectory of illness. The actual time of death creates unique issues beyond those encountered during the course of illness. Care at this time demands attention to physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of residents and the special needs of their families. Assessment by professionals of their own experiences at the time of death is helpful to strengthen professional effectiveness.

Objectives:

• Assess an imminently dying patient and list five physical signs and symptoms of the dying process and three signs of death.
• Assess physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care needs and interventions for an imminently dying older adult and their family.
• Discuss the role of the nurse, the challenges and opportunities for care of the dying in nursing homes.
• Explain management and nursing interventions for care at the time of death.

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