Palliative Care (an overview): Complete Knowledge of 'The Art Of Dying' |
Though we are all mortal and know that at some stage we have to face the prospect of death, it is often only when confronted with the eminent death of a loved one or dealing with a terminal diagnosis for ourselves that the topic comes out from the shadows. |
Palliative care deals not only with the physical and emotional needs of those being cared for but must also address the fears and realities of what death really means. Knowledge and skills in this area therefore should not be limited to professional caregivers and the medical profession but everyone of us as we all will one day be faced with caring for a loved one or preparing ourselves for that inevitable journey.
|
Death can only be feared as long as it is not understood. |
The Palliative caregiver can bring much more to those in their care than just helping them deal with their physical needs and discomfort. They can have the knowledge and skills to enable death to be anticipated peacefully and without fear. |
The 'Art of Dying' is both astonishingly simple and extraordinarily complex and the palliative carer needs to understand a wide variety of aspects to this including, |
* |
The Needs of the Dying
The Palliative Carer needs to have a holistic attitude when treating a patient. It is not only the physical needs that will have to be accommodated but also the varying emotional stages a patient will experience. An understanding of the patient's personal spiritual or religious beliefs and a genuine attempt to recognise these, will also be of great benefit. emotional and spiritual
|
* |
The Five Stages of Dying
First Stage: Denial and Isolation "No not me, it cannot be true" The need for denial exists in every patient at times, at the very beginning of a serious illness more so than towards the end of life. In helping the dying to transcend this stage we need to be open and not display disbelief at their perceptions. Amongst other help, a loving and understanding listening ability is required.
Second Stage: Anger "Why me?" When the first stages of denial cannot be maintained any longer, it is replaced by feelings of anger. We have to learn to listen to our patients and at times accept some irrational anger, knowing that the relief in expressing it will help them towards a better acceptance of the final hours.
Third Stage: Bargaining "If God sees me through this I'll strive to be a better person" Most bargains are made with God and are usually kept a secret or mentioned between the lines or in communications with a chaplain. Even atheists find themselves appealing to something universal for 'a cure or at least just a little more time or a little less pain'. It is important to recognise this stage as these bargains are often associated with a quiet guilt. Compassion and unconditional love is required.
Fourth Stage: Depression "There is no hope, no reason to find any joy in life" Once the patient realises that death is inevitable, it is not surprising that the next stage is sadness. It is important to refrain from trying to 'cheer them up' but to allow them to experience this sadness at the loss of all they have known. The depression is first reactionary but develops into a secondary stage of preparatory depression. This is a vital stage before acceptance.
Fifth Stage: Acceptance "I know it's my time" Acceptance does not necessarily mean the patient has reached contentment with the inevitable. For some it is a realisation that they cannot fight any longer, a sort of begrudging acceptance. For others it is a more positive experience and they accept death with peace and dignity.
|
* |
Different Cultures
The death experience can be viewed from many eyes. The carer needs to be aware that death is viewed in many different ways according to culture, religious beliefs or personal experience and to be accepting of the patient's individual needs in this regard. Different attitudes and support methods will be required for those who believe they are to be reincarnated to those who are expecting heaven or hell. A different type of support is needed for those who have no belief in an after-life. |
* |
Special Needs of the Young
The biggest mistake an adult can make, is believing that a child cannot handle the truth - they can handle it almost every time better than the person telling them. How a dying child is comforted and prepared for death will vary greatly on the age of the child, their understanding and the degree of pain associated with their illness. The needs and impending loss of the child's loved ones will figure greatly in how the child is informed and comforted. |
* |
Allaying the 'Fear of Death'
The caregiver will need the skills to allay the fear of death in the patient taking into account a number of factors. The spiritual or religious beliefs (and even superstitions) of the patient need to be considered and given full understanding within the whole palliative process. |
* |
Personal Protection
Being compassionate and empathising without being overwhelmed by the varying emotional needs of the patient and the loved ones who will be experiencing their own emotional pain, is a vital ingredient in the Palliative Care process. Some practical protection techniques exist which can be useful to both the caregiver and the client. |
* |
Practical Applications
Use of Pre-blended Oils, Caring Touch, Colour and Music can all be beneficial and aid in communication between caregiver and client. And much, so much more… including most importantly - 'Conscious Dying' |
|
'Conscious Dying' describes the way in which a dying person can come to terms with, understand and embrace the death process with a awareness of their true nature, well before the moment of death and leave the physical body in a state of love rather than fear. |
The Australasian Palliative Care Training Organisation conducts:
1 and 2 day comprehensive workshops in all aspects of palliative care.
These workshops not only address the special needs of the dying but the often overlooked concerns of those who work with them, care for them and loved ones who will be left behind. It is often the case that it is those around who suffer greater stress and confusion than those who are being cared for. APCTO also offer you the opportunity to train to teach this important workshop.
|
This article can be viewed as a word doc for downloading or printing: click here |
