In the video below, Judi shares her experience with saying goodbye and how she prepared for the death of her loved one whom she cared for.
Note: In the video below, there is use of a swear word.
Caring for someone who is dying from an advanced brain tumour is difficult. There are several sources of support for both patient and carer during the end of life phase. The health professionals involved in the patient’s care can be a good source of information about how things might be changing for you and the person you care for.
What to expect when someone is close to dying
The person you care for may become physically weaker, lose weight and become less mobile. As this happens, they may require more help with daily tasks and self-care which you may be able to provide with the assistance of other services and equipment in the home.
Their memory and ability to think clearly may worsen and they may need help with medications.
Additionally, they may:
- Struggle to talk and communicate clearly, but still hear you well and understand some of what you say
- Want to eat and drink less or find it difficult to swallow food and tablets
- Need more medication to control their symptoms. (If they are unable to swallow, there may be other ways to give their medications, for example by injection, skin patches or drops on their tongue)
Eventually, they may become sleepier and spend less time awake. If they are distressed, there may be treatments available to help—discuss with their doctor or palliative care team.
Who can help?
The health professionals involved in the patient’s care can be a good source of information about how things might be changing for you and the person you care for.
Palliative care services may contribute to planning end of life care, including:
- The best place to receive care
- How to support you practically and emotionally
- Managing distressing symptoms
- Where the person you care for would like to die