End of life

Topic 5 DQ 2

According to The National Institute on Aging (NIA,2021), most people died at home years ago. Still, recently that trend has changed due to medical improvements and concepts of care and healthcare dynamics(National Institute on Aging, 2021). People usually die, not on their choice, but it becomes an option for the individual and family to pre-plan the care options the patient would receive when that time comes.

In the early days, the older people once stay at home under the care of the younger generation or their siblings or other people designated to care for them in their end-of-life period. But this trend has changed, and many are now living in nursing homes or assisted living due to the loved ones not having enough time to provide needed care because of jobs or other life commitments. Some people believe that their loved ones would receive better care and attention in a well-equipped nursing facility to deal with the level of care needed rather than commit to assignments they cannot fulfill(National Institute on Aging, 2021).

End of life is defined as the final phase of a patient’s illness when death is imminent. Some good numbers of the elderly may not die at home, and some may die in a nursing home or assisted living. What determines the type of care to provide is usually the patient’s level of insurance coverage; some insurance cover hospice and palliative care. While some might not, the patient’s family and the prior arrangement made(Advance Directive) take presidents in such cases. Due to medical improvements, things have changed with evidence of people resulting in death, not their chosen areas(National Institute on Aging, 2021).

Many issues determine the place of death, comprising the care to be given, the readiness of the patient and family, and affordability of the cost involved with families. Dying at home is taken by many as being far better than a hospital due to the peace and grief shared by patients and loved ones. However, there is a need to consult and discuss preferences with professionals to know what is suitable for the patient and family(National Institute on Aging, 2021).

Though the medical staff provides proper health care, the love and affection the people get from their family members are different. In end-of-life care, giving love and affection, psychological support, respecting and fulfilling their desire are essential. As a health care professional, a nurse must meet the above requirements to provide maximum comfort to the people receiving end-of-life care. Healthcare professionals such as nurses must meet specific requirements to provide maximum comfort to the people receiving end-of-life care. Most patients generally suffer from discomfort in the following areas, such as general pain, breathing problems, skin irritations, digestive problems, temperature sensitivity, and fatigue. The nurse would have to ensure that the patient’s needs are met, such as providing comfort care, pain medication, skincare, oxygen, a warm environment, and other support measures to satisfy the patient and family(National Institute on Aging, 2021).

Respond using 200-300 words APA format with references to support the above discussion

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.