The Role of Care Assistants in Palliative Care

By Joseph Mooney

‘You matter because you are you,and you matter to the end of your life.We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.’

(Dame Cicely Saunders 1993)

Caring and Assisting

Caring – many interpretations To be concerned To have regard, affection and consideration To provide physical needs, help or comfort

(Mc Cance 2005).

Assisting

Various meanings Helping Available Doing ones best Being aware of the need Planning Valuing

Nature of Role

Role is multi-dimensional

Encompasses the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects

Role is unique – caring relationship during the illness trajectory

Role of Care Assistant

To support patients and families Admission Adapting to new environment Assessment of needs Observing the verbal and non-verbal cues

Role of Care Assistant

To support Nursing and Medical Staff Activities of living Pressure area care Meeting hygiene needs Mobilisation and ambulation Promoting comfort

Role of Care Assistant

To attend multi-Disciplinary Meeting and psychosocial meetings Weekly meetings Contributions from my interactions with patients

and family members Decision making with regard to patient/ family

care planning – as illness progresses

Communications

Patient

Family

Interdisciplinary team

Focus on living and dying

Patient and Family Support

Nursing and medical staff

Occupational Therapist

Physiotherapy

Chaplaincy

Household

Social workers

Challenges

Exposure to death and dying Family Dynamics Terminology Management of symptoms Patients’ lack of awareness and

understanding of their conditions

Rewards

Meeting patients and families Ordinariness of care- makes a difference Time Journeying with patients and families Team member Muti- skilled

Thank You

Questions?