End-of-life care becomes an issue at some point for elderly clients. Even with the emergence of palliative care programs and hospice programs, the majority of 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 in end-of-life care and in supporting their desires. Support your response with evidence-based literature. MINIMUM OF 2 REFERENCES. 400 WORDS. NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE
Introduction
End-of-life care is an important aspect of healthcare that becomes a critical issue for elderly clients. Despite the availability of palliative care programs and hospice services, studies have shown that the majority of elderly people do not have the opportunity to die in their own home, which is often their preference (Sandsdalen et al., 2015). This trend raises questions about the factors contributing to this disparity and what nurses can do to provide support for their clients in end-of-life care. This essay will discuss the reasons for this trend and explore the role of nurses in supporting their clients’ desires for end-of-life care.
Reasons for the Trend
Several factors contribute to the trend of elderly clients not being able to die in their own home. One reason is the lack of home-based care services and resources. Few elderly individuals have access to suitable home care programs, which limits their ability to receive appropriate end-of-life care in their own environment (Gomes et al., 2013). Home-based care programs, such as home health nursing and home hospice care, have been shown to improve quality of life and increase the likelihood of dying at home (Casarett et al., 2013). However, the availability of such programs is limited, resulting in more elderly individuals being admitted to hospitals or long-term care facilities for their end-of-life care.
Another reason is the lack of awareness and preferences regarding end-of-life care. Many elderly individuals may have not discussed their preferences with their healthcare providers or their families, leading to a lack of clarity about their desires for end-of-life care (Tsai et al., 2017). This lack of communication makes it challenging for healthcare professionals, including nurses, to provide appropriate support and guidance during this crucial phase of life. Without clear guidance, healthcare providers may default to more traditional interventions, such as hospital admission, instead of honoring the client’s preference for home-based care.
Furthermore, the fragmentation of healthcare services and the emphasis on curative treatments contribute to this trend. The healthcare system often focuses on providing treatments that aim to cure diseases, rather than providing comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care (Sandsdalen et al., 2015). This emphasis on curative care leads to a lack of attention and resources allocated to developing robust home-based care programs for the elderly population. As a result, many elderly individuals end up receiving end-of-life care in hospitals or institutional settings, which may not align with their preferences or provide the same level of comfort and support as home-based care.
Nursing Role in Supporting End-of-Life Care
Nurses play a crucial role in supporting their clients’ desires for end-of-life care. Firstly, nurses can advocate for the development and expansion of home-based care programs for the elderly population. By collaborating with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations, nurses can raise awareness about the need for more comprehensive and accessible home care services. They can advocate for increased funding, training, and resources for home health nursing and hospice programs, ensuring that more elderly individuals have the opportunity to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.
Secondly, nurses can facilitate open and honest communication between their clients, their families, and the healthcare team regarding end-of-life care preferences. By initiating these conversations, nurses can help clients articulate their desires and make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. These discussions should occur regularly throughout the client’s healthcare journey and should involve a holistic assessment of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs (Tsai et al., 2017). Nurses can provide educational resources, support, and guidance to help clients and their families navigate the complexities of end-of-life care and make decisions that align with their values and preferences.
Moreover, nurses can provide comprehensive symptom management and emotional support to clients receiving end-of-life care in various settings. This includes managing pain, dyspnea, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms through evidence-based interventions (Casarett et al., 2013). Additionally, nurses can offer emotional support and counseling to help clients and their families cope with the challenges and emotional distress associated with end-of-life care. This may involve providing grief counseling, facilitating family meetings, or connecting clients and families to community resources and support groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trend of elderly clients not being able to die in their own home is influenced by factors such as the lack of home-based care services, lack of awareness and preferences regarding end-of-life care, and the fragmentation of healthcare services. Nurses can play a central role in supporting their clients’ desires for end-of-life care by advocating for the development and expansion of home-based care programs, facilitating open and honest communication, and providing comprehensive symptom management and emotional support. By taking these actions, nurses can enhance the quality of end-of-life care for their clients and help ensure that their desires are respected and fulfilled.