Every stage of caring for a loved one presents its share of challenges, but the most daunting, especially emotionally, comes in the final stage of end-of-life care. 

There are resources to help. Here on Caregiving MetroWest, our Stages of Caregiving page provides some insight on what to expect, and we also have listings of hospice providers and bereavement support groups in our resources section.

The National Institute on Aging also has a number of valuable resources to help guide you through the final stages of caregiving. "End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care" (pdf) is an extensive, 76-page guidebook covering end-of-life care, which it describes as "the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death."

There is also information specifically for end-of-life Alzheimer's care (pdf) and "AgePage: Getting Your Affairs in Order" (pdf), which covers legal and financial considerations and arrangements.

Caregivers can also speak with a caregiver specialist for a free consultation, support and additional help finding resources, or consider hiring a geriatric care manager or elder law attorney for assistance.