ALS End of Life signifies a stage filled with emotional turmoil and a heartbreaking farewell to a beloved family member. As this time approaches, it is common for families to conduct a family vigil, an intimate and loving tribute to their loved one. In such times, family presence acts as a beacon of light, providing the required emotional support in the ALS journey’s final days.
The central role of Family Vigil in the ALS End of Life journey
The ALS end of life stage is one of the toughest phases of the disease. These are the days when the effects of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) become painfully clear, as the patient loses most of their motor skills and the ability to verbally correspond. In this phase, the role of a family becomes more valuable and vital than ever.
Family vigils provide an intimate space where everyone gathers to provide support, love, and care to their ailing family member. It serves as a context to share memories, express feelings, pray, or simply hold a quiet presence alongside the person nearing the end of life. Such a setting often helps in assuaging fears, pain, and distress, both for the person with ALS and their close families.
An invaluable source of Strength and Comfort
A family vigil stands out as an outpouring of emotional support. For the family, it can bring peace, provide comfort, and develop an atmosphere of collective strength within the family unit. On the other hand, for the patient, the family vigil assures that they are not alone, that the people they care for most are by their side. This feeling of being loved and not alone in their journey becomes a source of strength and comfort.
According to the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care [1], tangible social support has a significant positive effect on end of life care and is considered extremely crucial in improving the quality of life for a person with terminal illness.
Understanding the need for Professional Assistance
A family vigil can be emotionally debilitating for everyone involved. It is difficult for families to see their loved one in such a vulnerable state while trying to grasp the inevitability of the situation. In such scenarios, the presence of a healthcare professional or a counsellor becomes pivotal.
Trained professionals offer guidance to navigate these final days emotionally. They help in managing the stress and anxiety associated with loss, allowing the family to focus on providing a loving, peaceful experience. The Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing [2] states how professional guidance has shown a positive impact on the grieving process, reaffirming the role of healthcare workers during this critical period.
Remembering it is okay to seek help and lean into the facility offered by such professionals is important. They can ensure an environment where a peaceful goodbye can occur, leading to improved bereavement outcomes for family members post loss.
Utilizing the resources available
Multiple organizations offer various resources and support to patients and their families as they navigate the journey of ALS end of life. They offer services ranging from guidance on managing symptoms to extending psychological support. The ALS Association [3] has a host of reading materials, guides, and a strong community to lend support to these families.
Concluding thoughts
The ALS end of life period is indeed hard, but the bond and strength that a family vigil creates will help create an unforgettable farewell tribute. This symbolic mean of support and engagement is extremely critical during these challenging times.
Do reach out for guidance regarding the ALS and Real Water case to the contact page on our site. You are not alone in this. The ALS community and the support team are ready to assist you in this journey. Do not hesitate to call on 702-385-6000 for support. For added information, you can visit our blog page to read more articles on ALS and related issues.
References
1. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care – Link
2. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing – Link
3. The ALS Association – Link
