The Role of Care Assistants in Palliative Care

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 w Caring – many interpretations w To be concerned w To have regard, affection and consideration w To provide physical needs, help or comfort l (Mc Cance 2005).

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

Nature of Role w Role is multi-dimensional w Encompasses the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects w Role is unique – caring relationship during the illness trajectory

Role of Care Assistant w To support patients and families n n Admission Adapting to new environment Assessment of needs Observing the verbal and non-verbal cues

Role of Care Assistant w To support Nursing and Medical Staff n n n Activities of living Pressure area care Meeting hygiene needs Mobilisation and ambulation Promoting comfort

Role of Care Assistant w To attend multi-Disciplinary Meeting and psychosocial meetings n n n Weekly meetings Contributions from my interactions with patients and family members Decision making with regard to patient/ family care planning – as illness progresses

Communications w Patient w Family w Interdisciplinary team w Focus on living and dying

Patient and Family Support w Nursing and medical staff w Occupational Therapist w Physiotherapy w Chaplaincy w Household w Social workers

Challenges w Exposure to death and dying w Family Dynamics w Terminology w Management of symptoms w Patients’ lack of awareness and understanding of their conditions

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

Thank You w Questions?