Addressing End-of-Life Concerns in San Diego

Facing end-of-life concerns is the last major milestone of life. Many can find themselves in a state of despair, denial, and regret. There can be anxiety about the process and perhaps some uncertainties regarding the afterlife. Seeking guidance and support from professionals, such as those at San Diego Christian Counseling, can help navigate these challenging emotions and provide comfort during this difficult time. As it says in the Bible,

As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death. – Ecclesiastes 8:8, NIV

While no one has the power to determine the time of their death, if you have lived a long and full life, or you have a terminal illness, you may have some power over the manner of your death. What are some of the concerns and questions about the end of life that people commonly have?

End-of-Life Concerns and Medical Acronyms

Several essential acronyms will come up in end-of-life conversations.

DNR – do not resuscitate. If you are nearing the end of life, you want to consider the trauma that will occur to your body if family and/or medical professionals need to perform CPR on your body. Asking to be made, DNR gives this permission not to use lifesaving measures at the end, minimizing trauma to your body.

POA – power of attorney. This is a person you designate to make decisions for you when you can no longer do so for yourself. Sometimes, this person is a family member, but you can appoint someone else. There is sometimes a distinction between the medical POA (who makes medical decisions) and the financial POA (person responsible for your estate). Making this decision while you are able can provide peace of mind for everyone.

AD – advanced directives. A plan that you make for yourself decides what kind of medical care you are willing to accept and when you want to transition to comfort measures.

Medicine for Comfort

At the end of life, comfort care focuses on using medications to relieve the suffering that one may experience at the end of their life. There is no need to worry about addiction at this point in time. This decision will usually be made within the last weeks or days of a person’s life. Trust the medical professionals to make compassionate and wise choices.

Hospice groups in San Diego focus on end-of-life care, both in hospitals and one’s own home. They focus on caring for the one who is dying and caring for the family members. These are often nurses and assistants who specialize in the care of the ill and dying.

Spiritual End-of-Life Concerns

At the end of one’s life, there may be certainty in faith traditions that have been an enriching part of your life. Pastoral visits in San Diego are available through many faith traditions for prayer, communion, and other forms of spiritual comfort. Some hospitals and hospice groups in San Diego have chaplains available if your pastor is not an option.

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. – Ecclesiastes 7:2, NIV

Coming face-to-face with death may be harder on your family than it is on you. You may have concerns about the care of your loved ones. Encourage them to mourn, seek counseling, and care for themselves in their grief.

If you are aware that you are approaching the end of your life, you could seek counseling in San Diego on how best to prepare your friends and loved ones for the transition. There may be things you can do to help them. Some practical things might be to provide a funeral plan, preferences for your body, and access to necessary accounts and documents.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 3:11-13, NIV

It is perfectly normal and reasonable to have some end-of-life concerns. If you would like to talk to a counselor in San Diego about your concerns, call our office at San Diego Christian Counseling to set up an initial appointment today.