Reflective account on End-Of-Life
Reflective Account “End of Life”
Last year 23 September 2012. I had a resident called “Mrs X” she was a 72year-old widowed living at ---, a Nursing Care Home. She’s not a religious type of person as she was Atheist. She has lived in the home for the past two years, and during that time I was assigned as her key worker. Mrs X had One Son and 3 grand daughters they are all regular visitors to the home. She has recently been diagnosed with renal failure, and her life expectancy is only a couple of months without dialysis. In the past Mrs X has made it clear that when her “time comes” she wants to be able to stay at Belmont House, and “go quietly”. She has stated that she does not want any treatment that will prolong her life. This means she has chosen not to accept dialysis.
A planning meeting, involving Mrs X, her family and health and social care workers has taken place, and a care and support plan has been put in place to help Mrs X to live comfortably at Belmont House. This has included a discussion, led by Mrs X, about her wishes. She has made it clear that she does not want any medical intervention to prolong her life, and this has been recorded in an ‘advance care plan’. Mrs X’s 3 granddaughters are supportive but her son Mark has difficulty accepting the decision, however he realised it’s her mums decision and to respect her mum’s wishes. As well as input from her GP, Mrs X will be receiving regular support from specialist nurses to manage her symptoms and keep her comfortable. Day-to-day care and support will continue to be provided by the care workers. Mrs X’s granddaughters and Mark will spend time with their Mother each day.
This was the first time since I began working at the Palliative care unit that I had been closely involved with someone who is dying, and I was upset and anxious about caring properly for Mrs X.
My line manager was responsible for ensuring that I am properly trained and supported so that Mrs X‘s needs and the needs of her
Last year 23 September 2012. I had a resident called “Mrs X” she was a 72year-old widowed living at ---, a Nursing Care Home. She’s not a religious type of person as she was Atheist. She has lived in the home for the past two years, and during that time I was assigned as her key worker. Mrs X had One Son and 3 grand daughters they are all regular visitors to the home. She has recently been diagnosed with renal failure, and her life expectancy is only a couple of months without dialysis. In the past Mrs X has made it clear that when her “time comes” she wants to be able to stay at Belmont House, and “go quietly”. She has stated that she does not want any treatment that will prolong her life. This means she has chosen not to accept dialysis.
A planning meeting, involving Mrs X, her family and health and social care workers has taken place, and a care and support plan has been put in place to help Mrs X to live comfortably at Belmont House. This has included a discussion, led by Mrs X, about her wishes. She has made it clear that she does not want any medical intervention to prolong her life, and this has been recorded in an ‘advance care plan’. Mrs X’s 3 granddaughters are supportive but her son Mark has difficulty accepting the decision, however he realised it’s her mums decision and to respect her mum’s wishes. As well as input from her GP, Mrs X will be receiving regular support from specialist nurses to manage her symptoms and keep her comfortable. Day-to-day care and support will continue to be provided by the care workers. Mrs X’s granddaughters and Mark will spend time with their Mother each day.
This was the first time since I began working at the Palliative care unit that I had been closely involved with someone who is dying, and I was upset and anxious about caring properly for Mrs X.
My line manager was responsible for ensuring that I am properly trained and supported so that Mrs X‘s needs and the needs of her