Letter
'It's how you support the resident that counts'
January 26, 2004
How do we measure our successes? Does there always have to be a happy ending
for an outcome to be called a success? We, at Riverview Manor believe it
is how you have supported the resident along an often painful journey that
counts.
We had a resident with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) who
came to live with us for only a few short months. When Jack was admitted
he was a quiet man who had few complaints.
As we got to know him and trust was established, we soon discovered that
he had become extremely depressed as his condition began to rapidly deteriorate.
He expressed to the SMS that his concern was not of dying but of how he
would die. He expressed a deep fear of choking to death and with no one
around to help him. It was at this point that all the staff came together
as a team.
Supportive Measures strategies were quickly put into place.
Jack would sleep in the infirmary so staff could easily monitor his breathing.
A suction machine was placed close to his bed for emergency suctioning
as well as to provide reassurance to him. Everyday we assessed the call
bell that he was still able to ring it with his toes. Pain management
was addressed.
The next important supportive strategy was to provide counseling,
to help Jack work through his unresolved issues. The SMS approached our
administrator Ken Whatman who has a pastoral background. Ken had already
establish a good rapport with Jack and immediately volunteered his services.
He reinforced to the staff that he would be available at any time, day
or night if Jack requested his presence. The staff spent many hours ensuring
Jack’s comfort needs were met. It was an unspoken understanding
that the staff would not let Jack die alone.
The SMS contacted ALS society for any assistance they could
offer us. An occupational therapist came from the Access Center the next
day and developed a list of equipment to meet his present and future needs.
The ALS society also planned to send a representative to provide education
for the staff.
SMS and the staff provided reassurance to the family who were
having difficulty coping with this devastating disease.
With all strategies in place, we felt an overwhelming sense
of peace that we had done everything humanly possible to help Jack die
with dignity. Even though he died soon after the strategies were in place,
I am sure everyone will agree with me that this was a success story for
our home.
—Kathy Eastabrooks, Riverview Manor
|
