Module 9 – Assisting the Dying Person Assignment

Submitted by: Kezia Faith Casafrancisco

Student

Submitted to: Mr. Charles Mathutorage

Teacher

Date: November 23, 2025

©NACC2015V5 Module 9- Assisting the Dying Person 1|1

Presentation and Written Requirement for this assignment are as follows:

1. Review the components of patterns of decline in chapter 1 of the text. Complete

the table below:

Pattern of Decline Impacts on the person Impacts on the family Ways that you as a PSW
can support the person
and the family
1. Increase of pain, 1. Stress on how to 1. Provide
Steady decline loss of appetite take emotional
and change responsibility in support being
mobility. caring family available to
2. Feeling of member. listen to the
sadness, fear 2. Feeling of patient and
and anxiety. sadness and family.
grief. 2. Respect
everyone’s
decision for
what is best for
the client.
1. Speech difficulty 1. Increase feeling 1. Maintains open
Stuttering decline of helplessness line of
2. Low self-esteem, and emotional communication
confidence and exhaustion and tailor your
mental state within the support to their
family. needs.
2. Need to adjust 2. Share concern
communication and observation
style. from the family
to help tailor the
treatment
approach.
1. They may 1. More time for 1. Offer empathy,
Slow decline become more family members understanding
instated from to take on care and reassurance
social giving during difficult
interaction. responsibility. times.
2. Struggle 2. Experience on 2. Often assistance
accepting their wide range of to do day to day
limitations. emotions of task as the client
sadness. health declines.
1. Grieving process 1. Struggle to 1. Often a safe
Sudden death can be hard to accept sudden space for
handle. loss of loved them to
2. Experience a ones. express
profound sense 2. Emotional grief their grief.
of loss and 2. Listen
emptiness. actively to
their
feelings,
thoughts
without
judgement.
2. Solidifying concepts: Provide definitions for the following terms;
1. Culture - collections of beliefs, customs, traditions and behaviours shared by a
group of people.
2. Cultural safety – creating an environment where individuals feel respected and
understood within their cultural context.
3. Cultural humility – simply being aware of cultural differences that involves
actively understanding and learning from others, acknowledge the limit of one’s
own knowledge and recognize the power dynamics exist in intercultural
interactions.

3. When should you use the symptom framework for PSW’s?

Answer: As a PSW, if you encounter recurring problem despite of many attempts
to resolve it, the symptom framework can help you understand the underlying
causes and find a suitable workaround.
4. Read pages 104-106 in the text to complete table below;
What you might observe if a person is dehydrated:
What you might What you might Comfort measures Ways to support
observe if a person ask a dying person that might be family
is dehydrated to better helpful
understand their
needs
1. Dry mouth 1. What are 1. Offer fluids 1.) Emotional
and your if still able. support
excessive concerns at
thirst this time?
2. Decrease 2. How can I 2.) Small 2.) Practical
urine help you? frequent sips. support
output
3.) Fatigue and 3.) Are there 3.) Stay in cool 3.) Support
Weakness particular task and shaded system available
that would environment
bring you
comfort?

5. Describe ways to support children whose loved one is dying.

a. Open and honest communication- use of age appropriate language to explain
what is happening and answer questions truthfully.
b. Provide safe space for expression- encourage them to talk about their feelings,
worries, fears and sadness. Assures them that their feelings are valid.
c. Validate their feelings and assure them that’s okay to grieve-Reinforced that
they are supported and loved.
d. Maintain routines and stability- this can help provide a sense of security during
a time when their world may feel uncertain.
 6. What physical changes in a person suggest that death is very close?
1. Decrease level of consciousness (LOC)
2. Changes in breathing
3. Decrease in urine output
4. Cold extremities
7. It is always it is always important to know what person’s DNR status is before
entering their home.
Answer: True ; in case of medical emergency, knowing the person DNR helps
emergency responders on how to provide appropriate care.
8. Just as the team needs to individualize care to meet the needs of dying people they
care for, each member of the team to personalize self-care strategies.
List, mind map, or draw activities that help you to refuel and re-energize.
1. Exercise: engage physical activities like running, yoga to relieve stress.
2. Nature walk: taking stroll in nature can be a soothing experience.
3. Reading: losing yourself in a good books can provide an escape and help you
recharge.
4. Spend time with loved one’s, socialize with friends
5. Meditation and mindfulness
6. Listening to your favourite music
7. Pamper yourself with relaxing massage on spa
9. Reflect on the term “self-care”. Write freely for five minutes about the topic of self-
care. What did you learn? Where did your reflections take you?
Answer: Self-care has increasingly become a focal point in discussions surrounding health and
well-being, and for good reason. It refers to the deliberate and mindful actions individuals take
to support their mental, emotional, and physical health. Upon reflecting on this concept, it
becomes clear that self-care extends far beyond personal indulgence; it is a foundational
component of sustaining overall wellness.
A central realization is the understanding that one cannot pour from an empty cup. In order to
effectively support and care for others, individuals must first attend to their own needs. This
recognition emphasizes that self-care is not optional—it is essential.
Additionally, reflection highlighted the importance of self-awareness in practicing effective self-
care. Identifying one’s personal needs, stressors, and preferences allows individuals to choose
strategies that genuinely replenish their energy and emotional resources. Because self-care is
highly individualized, what benefits one person may not necessarily work for another. This makes
exploration and self-discovery critical in determining practices that truly nurture and restore
well-being.
It is also important to acknowledge that self-care is not a selfish act. Rather, it enables individuals
to show up more fully and authentically in their relationships and responsibilities. By prioritizing
personal well-being, individuals are better equipped to contribute positively to the lives of others
and to the environments in which they live and work.
In conclusion, this reflection reinforces that self-care is a vital aspect of living a balanced, healthy,
and meaningful life. It serves as a reminder that caring for oneself is a necessary step in being
able to care effectively for others.

©NACC2015V5 Section 2. Module 9 - Assisting the Dying Person 1|3