Episode 139: End of Life Care with Heather KSmith

How can we make someone feel as comfortable and supported as possible during the final stage of life? In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with Heather KSmith about end-of-life care and her new community created to support both people approaching the end of life and the family members caring for them. Heather explains why prescribing at this stage can look different from a longer term homeopathic consultation. Rather than concentrating on a complete lifetime health history, the focus is often on what the person is experiencing right now. Focusing on Comfort Heather describes end-of-life prescribing as being centred around the person's immediate comfort. She discusses restlessness, pain, nausea, constipation, breathing changes, pressure sores and emotional distress, and how homeopaths traditionally differentiate between remedies according to the individual presentation. Homeopathy should only be considered complementary support. Hospice care, palliative medicine, prescribed pain relief and other appropriate medical treatments remain essential. Restlessness and Fear Mary and Heather explore different forms of restlessness and anxiety that may appear near the end of life. They discuss traditional remedy pictures including Arsenicum album and Aconite and the different behaviours a homeopath might observe. Sudden agitation, confusion or significant behavioural changes can also have medical causes and should be reported to the palliative care team. Nausea and Constipation Constipation can become a significant concern, particularly when someone is taking opioid pain medicines such as morphine. Heather discusses remedies traditionally associated with nausea and constipation, including Nux vomica and Opium. Homeopathy has not been established as a treatment for opioid induced constipation. Appropriate bowel management should be discussed with the healthcare team. Changes in Breathing The conversation also looks at noisy or rattling breathing that can happen during the final stage of life. Heather discusses Antimonium tartaricum and other remedies traditionally associated with mucus and breathing changes. These changes can be a normal part of dying, and a palliative care professional can explain what is happening and help keep the person comfortable. Pressure Sores and Skin Comfort Heather discusses several remedies traditionally associated with pressure sores, soreness and different types of wounds. Pressure sores require appropriate nursing care, wound assessment, repositioning when suitable and monitoring for infection. Experiences Near the End of Life Mary and Heather also talk about people who may see or speak to loved ones who have already died. Heather explains that these experiences do not necessarily need intervention if the person finds them comforting. Her focus would be on support when someone appears frightened or distressed. Supporting Family and Carers A major reason Heather created her community is to support the people caring for a loved one. The conversation covers sleeplessness, worry, exhaustion, anticipatory grief and the emotional pressure of watching someone you love approach the end of life. Key Takeaways Comfort and dignity are priorities in end-of-life care. Symptoms can change quickly during the final days or weeks. Carers often become important observers when communication becomes difficult. Restlessness and confusion should not automatically be assumed to be part of dying. Medication side effects should be discussed with the palliative care team. Homeopathy should complement, not replace, hospice and palliative medicine. Emotional and practical support for carers is also important. Good end-of-life care considers the needs of both the person and their family. Resources: End of Life Care Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1318618836151631 Heather Smith Website: https://hoorayforhomeopathy.com/ Check out Homeopathy247 Specialist Teams: https://homeopathy247.com/professional-homeopaths-team/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/