Case Study: Distant Family and Friends

Friends Planning End-of-Life Care for a Woman with Alzheimer's

Project Background

When faced with the declining health of a loved one due to mild Alzheimer’s, friends and extended family members often find themselves navigating complex emotional and logistical challenges. This case study highlights the story of a woman with no children, whose friends and cousins came together to plan her end-of-life care. Despite their shared commitment to supporting her, they faced difficulties due to limited knowledge, differing interpretations of care options, and the emotional weight of the situation. Recognizing the need for external guidance, they sought our assistance to create a cohesive and advance care planning guide.

Mandate

The group’s primary objective was to ensure that their loved one’s wishes and needs were fully understood and respected. They aimed to develop a comprehensive care plan that provided clarity and avoided potential conflicts among themselves. Their specific goals included:

Understanding the progression of Alzheimer’s and its implications for care.
Documenting the loved one’s preferences for living arrangements, financial planning life-sustaining interventions, and end-of-life practices.
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities within the group.
Creating a strategy for ongoing communication and collaboration.

Methodology

To support the group, we implemented a structured, inclusive, and empathetic approach:

Initial Consultation: We held individual and group meetings to capture each participant’s perspective, including the concerned person, their loved one’s expressed wishes, and the dynamics within the group.
Education and Information Sharing: We provided accessible, evidence-based resources on Alzheimer’s progression, care options, and legal considerations such as advanced request for medical aid in dying.
Facilitated Discussions: We organized and moderated a series of collaborative discussions to help the group align on key decisions. These sessions emphasized consensus-building and addressed any conflicting viewpoints.
Customized Care Plan Development: Together, we developed a detailed care plan that reflected their loved one’s values and preferences. This plan included :
- A timeline for care transitions based on Alzheimer’s progression.
- Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each participant.
- Instructions for end-of-life care and contingency planning.
Follow-Up and Support: We offered continued support through regular check-ins to ensure the plan remained relevant and adaptable as circumstances evolved.

Impact

Our involvement had a significant impact on the group and their loved one:

Clarity and Confidence: They gained a thorough understanding of Alzheimer’s and felt equipped to make informed decisions.
Strengthened Relationships: The structured discussions fostered trust and collaboration, preventing potential conflicts.
A Unified Care Plan: The detailed plan provided a shared roadmap, ensuring consistency in care and reducing emotional stress.
Improved Outcomes: When their loved one required advanced care, the group implemented the plan seamlessly, ensuring her comfort and dignity while preserving their relationships.

By guiding the group through this challenging process, we enabled them to honor their loved one’s wishes and support her with compassion and unity until the end.

Honor your loved ones wished and avoid conflicts: Contact us!

Note: this service is offered in collaboration with Plan Well Guide