3 Simple Ways to Improve End-of-Life Care

 

3 Simple Ways to Improve End-of-Life Care in Our Local Hospitals

It is important to know that end of life customs among the Indigenous tribes in Canada vary widely. Partially because many have different religious and spiritual beliefs. Here are a few commonalities among our local Mikmaq population that I have learned and that I think are worth sharing. These are just 3 examples of spiritual beliefs that will help you to understand, and therefor give better care to your patient

 Community = Family

It is important that we understand that the community is considered a family, and it is a very important sign of respect for all members to visit a dying community member as they near death.

Q: What can you do?

A: You can accommodate by anticipating many visitors and even if they cant all be in the patient room at the same time, for safety reasons, find somewhere comfortable that they can gather until it is their turn to visit. Just being accommodating and understanding goes a long way.

 The Spirit remains in the body until burial

The Mikmaq believe that the spirit of the person remains within their body until they are buried.

Q:What can you do?

A: Whenever possible, the body is not to be left alone until the person is buried. Also, treat the body with absolute respect and don’t speak as if the deceased person’s spirit is not there. Allow a family member to stay with the body for as long as possible.

 The Spirit needs to find it’s way on the earth

Many Mikmaq people are afraid to die at night. At night when it is dark, it is hard to see where you are going. They are afraid that if they die when it is dark, their spirit will not be able to find its way and they will be lost.

Q:What can you do?

A: You can provide better care by being aware of this and providing more support at night. Check on your patient more frequently after dark and help to comfort them.