In connection with seriously ill people you have certainly heard one of the following terms such as palliative medicine, palliative care, end-of-life care or hospice. These terms are all measures that alleviate the suffering of an incurably ill person in order to provide him with the best possible care until the end whenever possible.
“Palliative care” is used internationally but this term has also become established in the German-speaking world.
What does palliative care include? Palliative care is used to treat people with incurable life-threatening and / or chronically progressive diseases. The focus however is on the time when healing the disease is no longer a primary goal or is no longer considered possible. The nursing staff try to provide the patient with an optimal quality of life adapted to the situation until death and to provide appropriate support for the close relatives. Palliative care is intended to prevent suffering and possible complications. Care at this stage is not limited to medical treatments and nursing interventions but also to psychological, social and spiritual support. It is very important that the needs of the patient are fully understood. Symptoms and suffering are recognized and alleviated in the best possible way. Qualitatively adequate palliative care services require experience and professional competencies of the specialists. As far as possible palliative care need that place which is desired by the sick or dying person.
Palliative care through RENT MY NURSE
RENT MY NURSE has enough experienced and well-trained specialist nurse who can take care of medical and nursing care for terminally ill patients. Whenever possible specialists trained in palliative care take care of the patient and their relatives at home and are available around the clock.
Our tasks • Palliative care by patients from specialists’ nurses • Advice on medical and nursing activities • Implementation of specific care measures, e.g. Monitoring of pain therapy and symptom control, supply with port systems, dressing changes, pressure ulcer prophylaxis • Within the framework of the palliative care concept, psychosocial support and support for patients and relatives during the disease and dying process and assistance with disease processing • Assistance with official investigations
The phases of palliative care Palliative care can start very early and can be last for many months sometimes even years. "Palliative" does not mean that the last few days have begun. It can be divided into different phases.
The 4 phases according to Jonen-Thielemann:
1. Rehabilitation phase
The goal of the rehabilitation phase is that the patient can lead a largely normal social life despite progressive illness remains mobile through good symptom control and do small things everyday by themselves. This phase usually covers the last months of life sometimes even years.
2. pre-terminal phase
In the pre-terminal phase, the restrictions caused by the disease increase more and more and an active life is only possible to a very limited extent.
3. Terminal phase
The terminal phase is the preliminary stage of dying and can last for several days or weeks. The disease is now significantly affected by the patient's active life. Bedridden and inner withdrawal increase. The care and support of the patient and his relatives play is an important role in this phase.
4. Death phase / final phase The dying phase covers the last few hours or a few days. The focus is on accompanying the dying on their last path respecting their dignity and responding to their needs. Relatives should also receive comfort and support in this difficult phase.
What should be considered in summary
Symptom control
At the center of medical treatment for a palliative care patient is the relief of symptoms (symptom control) such as pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. These are reduced with supportive treatment. If necessary specialized medical professionals must be involved.
Medication
If the lifespan is limited some symptoms can be combated more effectively, e.g. by no longer have to pay attention to the late effects of medication. The most important thing is relief which is why very strong medication which is sometimes used.
Maintenance
Trained nurses, specialized therapists and relatives make an important contribution to the quality of life. Massages and mobilization, relaxation and strengthening, oral and body care, indoor climate, nutrition, wound care, correct positioning of the patient are the central topics. On the one hand it is about relieving complaints on the other hand it is about regaining normality and everyday life.
Care and social affairs
Every day "little things" can be of great importance especially in the last phase of life. Employment and distraction can help to "forget" complaints. Family members, friends and acquaintances of the patient provide valuable services.
Mental support
In addition to nursing and soothing therapies palliative care is also about mental support for patients and relatives. It is very much dependent on personal attitudes and belief who can help in such situations. It is important to take this "mental hardship" seriously to address it and to get help from a pastor.
Social law and costs
Problems with health insurance, hospital or doctor bills are often added to physical and mental hardship. The illness also causes financial worries because pensions are lost or cut.
At RENT MY NURSE we try to give you the best possible support in all of these questions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and receive more detailed information in a consultation.
