West Lake to create palliative care room, family lounge
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 -- Natalie Miller
Providing a private and dignified space for residents and their loved ones when a senior is palliative is the goal of a current initiative at West Lake Terrace.

A team effort is underway to turn the home’s infirmary into a palliative care room and a small lounge into a private space with a pullout couch for families. Since the two rooms are currently beside each other, West Lake hopes to build a small window so loved ones can look in on their relative.

“It gives them privacy and the opportunity for families to be with them privately,” during the end of life process, says Julie Clarkson, life enrichment co-ordinator and member of the palliative care team.

Staff is looking at repainting the infirmary a warm butter yellow. They have ordered a quilt for the bed. “We needed something more comforting and homey,” she says.

They plan to equip the small lounge with a TV and VCR and the space could also be used by residents when it isn’t occupied by family. The room is a project of the palliative care team, which has recently been reborn at the long-term care home in West Lake. “We’re trying to develop a strong palliative care team and community here at West Lake.”

The first project is involves creating the palliative care room.

Tina Creasy, a registered nurse is also on the palliative care team.

“We’re just trying (to generate) some renewed interest,” says Tina, noting West Lake did have a palliative care team a few years ago.

Two health care aides and activation staff are also on the team. West Lake is working with Quinte Health Care on the palliative care initiative. The goal is to begin meeting monthly in the new year, says Tina.

Staff is hoping to raise funds for the palliative care room at its Dec. 2 tea and silent auction at the home.