Authors (including presenting author) :
Tam FKS(1), Kwan WS(1), Lau LW(1), Wong KL(1), Ha WY(1), Wong YL(1), Cheng PPP(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Community Nursing Service, (2)Department of Medical, Yan Chai Hospital
Introduction :
Elderly and their relatives are always facing anticipatory grief in the last journey of life. In October 2018, Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) has launched a well-coordinated End-of-Life (EOL) Care program to provide an appropriate care to the terminally ill patients in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs). Expression, empathy, reassurance, talk and encouragement are proved effective means in decreasing the grave feeling. Apart from the care of physical illness, YCH Community Nursing Service (CNS) had initiated an enhancement program to provide memorable psycho-social support to the residents, their relatives and carers.
Objectives :
(1) Strengthen the bonding among the resident, relatives and carers; (2) Promote the quality of life of terminally ill residents in RCHE; and (3) Enhance the coordinated EOL care for RCHEs residents.
Methodology :
This corporate program had developed a structural workflow to guide the implementation of patient’s last days of journey. Advanced Care Planning (ACP) discussion would be arranged flexibly in order to meet patient’s condition and relatives’ schedule. CNS tailor-made some useful materials to fulfill the needs of recruited elderly. During the ACP discussion a family photo would be taken and mounted on a special designed “EOL Frame”. It was then placed on the bed side for special loving care to that elderly in RCHE. To encourage expressing their memorable feelings, a “Farewell Album” would be provided to the resident and relatives for sharing some blessing words with their loved ones. When the resident deceased, relatives would receive phone call, short message service (SMS) and condolence card for psychological support & bereavement.
Result & Outcome :
From October 2018 to December 2020, there were 319 RCHE residents joined the program with 284 Farewell Albums distributed. Total 197 recruited elderly passed away. In the satisfaction survey, 122 relatives (70%) stated the Farewell Album could facilitate their emotional expression and boost the bonding among them. 168 respondents (93%) acknowledge themselves all psyched up for terminally condition of patient. 171 respondents (95%) are highly appreciated that the residents had “good death” in the last moment of their life. 7 appreciation letters were received showing the heartfelt thanks to CNS.
