NRS 434VN Topic 5 DQ 2
End-of-life care becomes an issue at some point for elderly clients. Even with the emergence of palliative care programs and hospice programs, most elderly people do not die in their own home as is their preference. What are the reasons for this trend? Discuss what you can do as a nurse to support your clients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Support your response with evidence-based literature.
answer:
The fact is that the majority of people die in a hospital, long-term care institution, or at home under the care of professional caregivers. Hospice and palliative care represent only a small percentage of cases where care is provided by professionals or by the family for an individual who is approaching death. It is essential to understand that many people have fears about dying alone, in pain, or with a loss of dignity. The degree to which these fears are realized depends on our ability to assist our clients in expressing their wishes regarding end-of-life care and then making sure those wishes are respected as much as humanly possible.
End of life care is a very broad term that encompasses the care that is provided for patients who are dying or for those who have died. This involves planning ahead so that patients are properly medicated at the end of their life and do not suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort. Most people want to die in their own homes, with family, instead of being put into an institution or hospital. It is important to set up a plan in advance; to make sure that there are no legal obstacles to carrying out the wishes of the patient when they die.