tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2417858178588416830.post2289885466407851306..comments2024-03-19T09:45:12.928-04:00Comments on Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Curative Medical Care vs. Non-Curative Hospice Care: Two Men in Love with the Same WomanFrances Shani Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13963810627889715839noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2417858178588416830.post-37154640763094290652010-06-18T06:20:55.397-04:002010-06-18T06:20:55.397-04:00Loved the post. I agree that there needs to be a s...Loved the post. I agree that there needs to be a shift in thinking, in order to recognize the need for change from curative to palliative care. I also recognize that the reason for the hesitancy to accept change is rooted in our society's unwillingness to discuss death and dying. I was very fortunate that as a young girl I stumbled across a book by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross so the idea that death as a natural part of life came relatively early. I cannot help but wonder why these issues are not more aggressivley addressed in nursing school, medical school, etc. We do a huge disservice to those we serve by not being equipped to assist someone through that which is inevitable for all of us.Bobbi Crocketthttp://www.communityconnectionsonline.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2417858178588416830.post-37421522595253314002010-06-13T14:12:29.244-04:002010-06-13T14:12:29.244-04:00Jeff, thank you for commenting. If I validate thos...Jeff, thank you for commenting. If I validate those in the trenches, it's because I served there many years. Your words mirror some of my thoughts over the years exactly. I also witnessed staff members who meant well, but who just couldn't deal with the guilt and finality of letting someone die in peace, even when the patient resisted their efforts. <br /><br />Making that necessary change from curative to non-curative care requires a major paradigm shift in thinking that is underestimated in institutions with hospice programs too often. Regular staff turnover only makes matters worse. I just can't emphasize enough the importance of ongoing education and monitoring of staff practices for meeting patients' needs.<br /><br />I believe one person can make a positive difference. My written words (book, articles, poems, etc.) are my ways of promoting improvements in hospice, nursing homes and eldercare in general. While some would rather not have certain issues mentioned, facing them is the only way they will be addressed. Thanks for validating my efforts. Knowing that we share a common vision inspires me. I wish you the best.Frances Shani Parkerhttp://www.francesshaniparker.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2417858178588416830.post-80321829679629273942010-06-13T10:27:58.785-04:002010-06-13T10:27:58.785-04:00Excellent message Frances! There were two items th...Excellent message Frances! There were two items that jumped out at me while I was reading.<br /><br />First, the idea of mutal respect. As a volunteer for a hospice organization I have always been taught that I should always be mindful that when I go into a facility it is like going into a home. Not only for the patient, but for the staff as well. In many cases the staff have been part of a patient's "extended family" and care deeply for the person. As a result we need to be sensitive to that and understand that they may also have a difficult time with letting go. <br /><br />This brings me to the second item - the fact that in many assisted living facilities and nursing homes, the staff are there to "treat" the patient. I have witnessed many times where the staff are overwhelmed with the idea of allowing a person to die as opposed to taking heroic efforts to keep them alive.<br /><br />Yet, when coached, they often provide some of the most compassionate and caring support I have ever witnessed. It isn't that they can't do it but rather that they are wired not to do it. Once they get over the mental obstacle and buy into the effort of making an individuals passing as comfortable and peaceful as possible it can be a beautiful site to witness.<br /><br />Keep up the great work Frances - your words provide validation and inspiration to those of us in the trenches.<br /><br />Jeff Hoffman<br />Hospice Vigil VolunteerUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13885058895222171348noreply@blogger.com