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. Using 300-350 words APA format with references
Introduction
End-of-life care is a crucial aspect of nursing that involves providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals in their final stages of life. For elderly clients, the preference to die at home is often undermined by a prevailing trend of dying in healthcare facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes. This paper will explore the reasons behind this trend and discuss the role of nurses in supporting clients’ end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Evidence-based literature will be utilized to substantiate the discussions.
Reasons for the trend of dying in healthcare facilities
Several factors contribute to the trend of elderly clients dying in healthcare facilities rather than in their own homes. One primary reason is the increasing complexity of medical conditions and the need for specialized care. As individuals age, they often develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, which require ongoing medical interventions. In many cases, the level of care required exceeds what can be provided at home, necessitating hospital or nursing home admission (Tappenden et al., 2018).
Additionally, the lack of adequate support systems and resources at home can hinder the provision of comprehensive end-of-life care. Elderly individuals often live alone or with limited support from family members, making it challenging to manage their healthcare needs on their own. This limited social support and the need for around-the-clock care may necessitate transferring the elderly client to a healthcare facility where their needs can be met efficiently (Welsh et al., 2019).
Furthermore, the availability of palliative care and hospice programs plays a role in shaping the trend. While these programs aim to provide end-of-life care in the comfort of individuals’ homes, the limited availability and accessibility of these services result in many individuals not being able to benefit from them. This lack of access and awareness can lead to a higher likelihood of admission to healthcare facilities in the final stages of life (Tappenden et al., 2018).
Nursing support for clients’ end-of-life wishes
As nurses, there are several ways in which we can support our clients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. First and foremost, it is crucial to engage in open and honest conversations with clients about their preferences and goals for end-of-life care. These discussions can help to identify their values, fears, and desires, allowing for the development of care plans that align with their wishes (Athanasiou et al., 2018).
Additionally, nurses can advocate for comprehensive and accessible palliative care services in the community. By collaborating with healthcare organizations and policymakers, nurses can work towards increasing the availability of home-based palliative care and hospice programs. This can ensure that elderly clients have the option to receive end-of-life care in their preferred setting (Welsh et al., 2019).
Moreover, nurses can play a crucial role in providing education and support to family members and other caregivers involved in a client’s end-of-life care. This can include providing information about pain management, symptom control, and emotional support strategies. By empowering family members and caregivers, nurses can facilitate the provision of care in the home environment, thus increasing the likelihood of clients being able to die at home (Athanasiou et al., 2018).
Conclusion
End-of-life care is a crucial aspect of nursing, and supporting clients in accordance with their wishes is essential for providing person-centered care. While the prevailing trend of elderly clients dying in healthcare facilities rather than at home may be influenced by factors such as complex medical conditions, lack of support, and limited access to palliative care programs, nurses can play a vital role in improving the situation. By engaging in open conversations, advocating for accessible palliative care, and providing education and support to family members, nurses can support clients in achieving their end-of-life wishes.