Support Individuals at the End of Life Caring for individuals at the end of life is a challenging task that requires not only the consideration of the patient as a whole but also an understanding of the family, social, legal, economic, and institutional circumstances that surround individuals care. There are agreed ways of working and legal requirements in place that are designed to protect the rights of an individual during end of life care, these are as follows: •Data Protection, recording, reporting, confidentiality and sharing information •The making of wills and living wills •Equality, Diversity and Discrimination •Visitors •Safeguarding of vulnerable adults •Dealing with personal property of deceased people •Risk Assessments •Moving and Handling •Mental Capacity •Health and Safety Caring for individuals at the end of life is a challenging task that requires not only the consideration of the individual as a whole but also an understanding of the family, social, legal, economic, and institutional circumstances that surround patient care. A legal requirement of end of life care is that the wishes of the individual, including whether CPR should be attempted, as well as their wishes how they are cared for after death are properly documented. This means that their rights and wishes are respected, even after death. When an individual is at the end of life, I am usually aware of their needs and requirements by reading their care plan; I would read and acknowledge the rights and wishes of the individual including any religious beliefs e.g.
Assignment: 304 Principles for implementing duty of care in social care or children’s and young people’s settings. Ai) Duty of care is a legal requirement within the health and social care sector which has a legal meaning. There are responsibilities to ensure service users is not harmed, hurt, disadvantaged or unfairly treated. Each social care worker must be aware of negligent and unintentional acts may be also seen as a breach of duty in care. Aii) Duty of care affects the work of each social care worker as duty of care places a responsibilities to ensure practices are fair, safe and recognises diversity, choice and independence.
SUPERVISION NOTES A i What is meant by the term Duty of Care Health and Social Care organisations have what is called a duty of care towards the people they look after. That means that they must do everything they can to keep the people in their care safe from harm. It is not only the care establishment that needs to prioritise the safety, welfare and interests of the people using its services, but also the Care Workers of the establishment have the same Duty of Care. The employer also has a duty of care for staff members, to ensure that working conditions are safe, and suitable to deliver the service. Duty of care is a legal obligation that is usually imposed on an individual person requiring them to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while undertaking or performing any acts of duty that could possibly harm others.
The duty of care in my work role is based around looking after the residents in our care and maintaining their safety and dignity. 2.1 – Describe dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights. Sometimes an individual may want to do something that could be a risk to their health and safety. As carer’s we must respect the individuals rights and choices while at the same time keeping them safe. 2.2 – Explain where to get additional support and advice about how to resolve such matters.
When someone is dying there are legal concerns that a nurse must keep in mind when caring for the patient. Many times family members are the caregivers during the end of life process and this can place a real strain on the family. There are many nursing diagnosis associated with end of life care, and nurses must keep in mind special nursing considerations and implications. “End-of-life (EOL) care is defined as an active, compassionate approach that treats, comforts, and supports persons who are living with, or dying from progressive or chronic life threatening conditions” (Ross, MM., Fisher, R., & McClean, MJ., 2000). Unfortunately, the issue of death has been denied, hidden, and thus feared by our current society.
They frequently make legal decisions about wills, advanced directives, and durable powers of attorney. They may make choices about how to expend their limited time and energy. Some may want to reflect on the meaning of life, and some may decide to do a final life review or to deal with psychologically unfinished business. Some may want to participate in planning rituals before or after death. In some religious traditions, confession of sins, preparation to "meet one's maker," or asking forgiveness from those who may have been wronged can be part of end-of-life concerns.
Communication between colleagues is essential, so that it ensures a continuity of care for the client, and all staff are aware of the current needs of the client. Communication is vital to make a persons quality of life better 1.2: Effective communication is the foundation if everything you do in your work and affects every aspect of your work and who you work with, The resident is the most important but liaison with the family and friends is crucial for personal information including colleagues. Communication is different depending on the person and the reason : ie a GP for medical reasons, a funeral director for there last wishes, a social worker to determine there needs. It is a two way process and the type of communication will vary depending on who you are communicating with and their age. The communication can be either verbal or non verbal.
Understand the aims, principles and policies of end of life care The aims and principles of end of life care: choices; priorities; the person is at the centre of planning and delivery; effective communication; efficient and effective multi-disciplinary/inter agency working; carers/family/friends informed as appropriate; carers/family/friends involved in care planning; person centred approach to service delivery; care and support available to any person affected by end of life and death; practitioners are supported to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes; practitioners take responsibility for continuing professional development. Why it is important to support an individual in a way that promotes their dignity: self-esteem; privacy; respect; independence; choices; preferences; person centred approaches. The importance of maintaining comfort and wellbeing in end of life care e.g. : choices; care planning; physical and mental well-being; relatives/carers well-being; symptom management; pain relief; encourages and supports communication
CT235 Introduction to duty of care in health and social care. 1.1 Define the term 'duty of care' Health and social care organisations have what is called a duty of care towards the people they look after. That means that they must do everything they can to keep the people in their care safe from harm. It is not only the care establishment that needs to prioritise the safety, welfare and interests of the people using its services, but also the care workers of the establishment. My employer also has a duty of care for staff members, to ensure that working conditions are safe, and suitable to deliver the service.
In addition to identifying and following advanced directives, practitioners are also faced with the legal and ethical implications in end of life treatment and care. Palliative care and comfort care measures are another area that significantly impacts the health care provider also today. As we have made so many advances in medical care, we must also look at the quality of life that remains when we have prolonged someone’s life. As terminal conditions continue to progress, health care providers continue to have an ethical and legal obligation to promote the best possible care for the patient. Sometimes this means not aggressively treating a terminal illness and allowing the patient to choose to die with dignity and as comfortable as possible.