End-of-life educator Barbara Karnes is back to talk about death in the home, what it looks like, and how caregivers can manage a dying loved one at home.  The reality of a death at home is that it's a challenge for caregivers, and can put a heavy burden on the caregiver.  Before death became a medical event, it was a psychosocial event that was managed at home, and caregivers were supported by the community.  These days people frequently die in the hospital or in a nursing facility.  Family often is not present when a death happens.  A good death can happen at home; however, with family present.  Hospice support can be an important part of that care.  End-of-life workers can provide education, support, and encouragement that help caregivers manage the death experience.  Barbara describes the dying process as labor, very similar to labor for the birth of a baby.  Advance care planning (ACP) can help define how a person wants to die at home, identifying a medical decision-maker (MPOA or healthcare proxy).  Seriously ill adults who are living alone need a caregiving system.  Hospice social workers and chaplains can help solo agers identify an MPOA and build a support system for their caregiving.  

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