Taking Care of the Dying

Who is defined as a dying patient

A "dying patient" is the legal definition of a terminally ill person whose life expectancy is less than six months.

Who is authorized to determine whether a person is a "dying patient"

A "responsible physician" is authorized to make the determination of whether a patient is a "dying patient". A responsible physician is one of the following:

• Department or unit manager in the medical institution where the patient is treated.
• A specialist physician who has been assigned by the manager of the medical institution or a department or unit manager in the medical institution where the patient is treated.
• A district physician of the HMO, for patients in the community.

If one of your parents is defined as a "dying patient", it is surely not easy. Even if you were aware of the parent's medical condition, the definition "dying patient" may cause sadness and anxiety. You may want to be with your parents as much as possible, or perhaps it may be difficult for you to be around them. It is difficult to predict how you will feel and wish to do, but know that whatever you feel is legitimate. If you struggle to function, reach out for help to a professional, try to surround youself with supportive relatives and friends, and allow anyone who wishes to help to do so.

Even though the news that a loved one is defined as a "dying patient" can be extremely difficult to process emotionally, the definition is very important, as it helps preparing mentally and logistically, in the present and for the future.

How to prepare and help a family member who is defined as a dying patient

• Prepare emotionally: information about the patient's condition can help you get a clear pincture and prepare for the future. Make the most of the time that is left by recording memories and spending time with family and friends.
• Listen: make time to listen to the patient. Some people like talking and sharing and others would rather not. If the patient does not cooperate, do not press. It is important to respect the patient’s wishes, and if the patient would rather not share, try to set up a welcoming atmosphere for communication.
• Communicate non-verbally: the importance of nonverbal communication is very significant: staying with the patient, holding hands, hugging and making physical contact, if appropriate, and making eye contact. All of these things can promote calmness and resilience during this challenging time.
• Attend therapies and examinations: accompanying the patient to therapy is crucial not just to ensure that the patient arrives but also, and most importantly, to alleviate fears, offer support when receiving difficult news, and help the patient feel less alone.
• Share with your family: now is the time to make decisions and share them with family members and other relatives. After deciding on a course of action, you can also practically get ready. For instance, if you choose to be with your parent during most the day or the entire day, you will need to miss work, so you must consider how to do so.
• Manage expectations: consider the patient's wishes. It is important to respect the patient's right to make their own decisions about their care and prepare all the necessary documents in advance to ensure that the treatment coincides with the patient’s values, beliefs, and wishes.
• Advanced medical directives and power of attorney: people can choose their treatment in case they become incapacitated. As part of these directives, patients can decide whether they want to avoid medical treatment or life-prolonging medical treatment when they are terminally ill and can no longer make decisions for themselves. If a patient wants to designate another person to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacitation, they can sign a power of attorney.
  Further information on advance medical directives and power of attorney