I am very saddened to hear of loved ones passing away like that. My heart truly grieves. Offering prayers to all!

Been thinking of additional home remedies. This one in particular sounds crazy and is quite effective for loosening & expectorating phlegm:

Combine
1-Tablespoon Coconut Oil
2-Tablespoon Cornstarch
3-Tablespoon Mustard Powder
3-drops Essential Oil of Thyme
2-drops Essential Oil of Peppermint
1-drop Essential Oil of Camphor

Add enough hot water to make a thick paste. Allow to cool just enough to apply to bare skin.

Slather the paste onto the chest and back. Cover with towels. Cover towels with hot water bottles. Wrap patient in a thick robe or blanket to keep everything in place.

Once water bottles have cooled, remove and refill with hot water. Cover & keep warm.

Have patient lie across a hassock or an ottoman, head hanging down (put a towel on the floor under the face area). Gently! Start tapping over the back and down the sides. Gently, gently, gently! Tap in concentrated circles especially in the lung region. Encourage the patient to breathe as deeply as possible and exhale thoroughly, both through the nose and the mouth.

As the mucus & phlegm loosens encourage the patient to lightly cough or at least clear the throat. Spit anything that bubbles up onto the towel...the nose & eyes may start running, too.

Once the mustard plaster begins to feel very cool, reapply the hot water bottles, rewrap and have patient sit bundled up again.

Repeat this sequence two more times if possible. Or let the patient lie down to sleep for awhile before the next tapping session.

I have other remedies I can add. These are all very old, tried & true remedies from the 1700s and 1800s. Ones I learned at my Grandmother's knee who learned at her Grandmother's knee. Remember, once upon a time there were no Hospitals and Doctors. People learned how to care for their own and others ailments.