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. 500 words, 5 APA reference, NO PLAGIARISM. Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Addressing the Discrepancy in End-of-Life Care for Elderly Clients: Nurses’ Role in Supporting Patient Preferences
Introduction:
As the elderly population continues to grow, end-of-life care has become a critical issue in healthcare. Palliative care programs and hospice services aim to provide comprehensive support and alleviate suffering for patients with life-limiting illnesses. However, despite their availability, a significant proportion of elderly individuals do not receive end-of-life care in the comfort of their own homes, which is often their preference. This paper explores the reasons for this trend and discusses the role of nurses in supporting clients in accordance with their wishes, drawing on evidence-based literature.
Factors influencing the trend:
Several factors contribute to the discrepancy between elderly client preferences and the actual location of their end-of-life care. One significant factor is the lack of access to suitable resources and support systems in community settings. Many individuals experience barriers to receiving care at home due to inadequate availability of specialized healthcare providers, limited financial resources, and insufficient social support networks (Teno et al., 2004). Without adequate support, elderly individuals may have no choice but to seek institutionalized care.
Moreover, the complexity of managing symptoms and providing comprehensive end-of-life care can pose challenges for family caregivers. Many families may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to address these issues effectively, leading to feelings of anxiety and unease. Consequently, institutionalized care, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities, may seem more reassuring due to the perception of having immediate access to medical professionals (Doty et al., 2017). Additionally, fear of burdening family members and concerns about disrupting their daily routines may influence elderly individuals to opt for institutional care rather than seeking care at home (Browning & Solomon, 2011).
Furthermore, healthcare systems often prioritize curative interventions over palliative and end-of-life care. This can result in the underutilization of community-based services and a greater emphasis on acute care settings. Balancing the demands of treatment and the provision of supportive care can be challenging for healthcare professionals, leading to a bias towards hospital-based care (Silveira et al., 2010). As a result, elderly individuals may be inclined to receive end-of-life care in institutional settings due to a perceived higher quality of care and access to advanced medical technologies.
Nurse’s role in supporting client preferences:
As key members of the healthcare team, nurses play a pivotal role in supporting elderly clients’ end-of-life care preferences. By employing evidence-based strategies and interventions, nurses can effectively facilitate a shift towards personalized, patient-centered care. The following are key approaches nurses can adopt to support clients in accordance with their wishes:
1. Educating clients and families:
Nurses can provide comprehensive education to clients and their families regarding the benefits and availability of home-based end-of-life care programs. By discussing the resources and specialized support services, nurses can empower families and help them make informed decisions (Becker & Black, 2008). Addressing misconceptions and fears about the feasibility of home-based care can also serve to increase client satisfaction and confidence in this care setting.
2. Leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration:
Collaboration between healthcare professionals is vital to optimize end-of-life care for elderly clients. Nurses can work closely with physicians, social workers, and community agencies, promoting a holistic approach that addresses physical, psychological, and spiritual needs (Kemp & Rosenzweig, 2017). This collaboration facilitates the development of comprehensive care plans tailored to the individual’s preferences and ensures appropriate resources are allocated to support care at home.
3. Providing symptom management and psychosocial support:
As experts in symptom management, nurses can play a crucial role in effectively addressing physical discomfort and enhancing quality of life for elderly clients (Irwin et al., 2016). Through ongoing assessment and interventions, nurses can identify and manage symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and fatigue, thereby increasing the feasibility of home-based care. Moreover, nurses can provide psychosocial support to clients and their families, addressing emotional distress and facilitating coping strategies (Nolte & Downing, 2016).
4. Advocating for policy changes:
Nurses can advocate for policy changes that prioritize end-of-life care and support the provision of home-based services. By engaging in policy development and implementation, nurses can contribute to shaping a healthcare system that aligns with client preferences and needs. Through their active involvement in professional organizations and research initiatives, nurses can inform policy discussions and promote the integration of evidence-based practices in end-of-life care provision.
Conclusion:
The trend of elderly clients not receiving end-of-life care at home, despite their preference, can be attributed to multiple factors, including the lack of suitable resources, family caregiver challenges, and healthcare system biases. Nurses play a critical role in supporting clients’ end-of-life care preferences by providing education, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, offering symptom management and psychosocial support, and advocating for policy changes. By adopting these strategies, nurses can contribute to the improvement of end-of-life care outcomes and ensure that elderly clients receive care in accordance with their wishes.