Choosing end-of-life care is an important decision with which many families struggle. It can be difficult to discern where you or your loved one would feel most comfortable at this important time of life. Many people put off making this decision because they don’t want to think about not having their loved ones around them. At Woodlawn Cemetery, our dedicated staff encourages our neighbors in the Bronx to find an end-of-life care provider that protects you and your family’s physical and emotional well-being.

If you’re unsure about how to choose end-of-life care for you or a loved one, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Ask your loved one about their preferences for end-of-life care or consider your own.

If you are able to have a conversation with your loved one about end-of-life care options, gently bring up the topic with them to see what their personal preferences are. Perhaps they’d prefer to transition into an at-home care situation like hospice, or maybe an assisted living facility would be a more appropriate option. If you’re considering your own end-of-life care, try to get your preferences in writing so that your children and loved ones can be sure to honor them when the time comes.

Know when it’s time to seek end-of-life care.

If you or your loved one has made multiple trips to the hospital or emergency room in recent weeks with symptoms worsening or not improving, this is a good indication that it’s time to seek an alternative care situation. When treatments for a disease or a preexisting illness are discontinued, a palliative care setup can help ease stress during the final stage of life.

Look out for these key things from an end-of-life care provider.

Be sure to seek out care providers who prioritize practical support if you or your loved one will require help bathing, eating, dressing, etc. A personal care assistant or hospice nurse is often able to meet these needs. Should you decide to become a full-time caregiver for your loved one, you’ll eventually feel the need to take a temporary break from your responsibilities. Respite care can involve volunteer or paid in-home help, whether this is at your home or a nursing home.

Contact our team at Woodlawn to learn more about grief support and other end-of-life services we offer to our neighbors across the New York area.