What were the critical elements of caring provided by the staff that meant so much to Shirley and her family? by Bex

She Died Her Way

2018-02-05 10:59:07 UTC

Being able to communicate her wishes; to be at home, to not be resuscitated, for her family to celebrate her life her way, and for her body to go where she thought best. The key element of care was for Shirley to be listened to and respected.

Dignity and Respect

2019-02-20 12:17:00 UTC

Shirley was able to communicate her wishes, and the staff supported and carried out these wishes. This enabled Shirley to be at peace as she knew what she wanted would be carried out. Also, this enables the family to come to terms with Shirley's passing as they know she went in a way she wanted to.

2019-02-20 12:26:30 UTC

The staff supported both her and her family through the difficult situation, allowing an 'easier' path of care. Involvement of the family and patient's wishes is always important in maintaining respect and positivity within the patient's condition.

Despite Shirley's disability and dementia, she was never actually treated as disabled. Her communication and wishes were accepted throughout which made her feel comfortable to express her feelings, emotions and wants towards her end of life

2019-02-20 17:03:06 UTC

Shirley was able to remain part of her families lives in the end stages of her condition,

2019-02-20 17:30:35 UTC

Shirley's recognition of her deterioration and her determination to be part of the decision-making around her own care provided staff with guidance that allowed them to meet her wishes and include her in the process of her care as her life came to an end

2019-02-20 22:53:07 UTC

Staff provided a positive and supportive environment in which Shirley's needs could be met

2019-02-20 22:56:06 UTC

Respected her values and allowed her to remain in her home with family members and healthcare professionals who knew her.

2019-02-21 10:34:46 UTC

2019-02-21 10:45:41 UTC

Through being able to communicate her wishes, treatment was provided on her own terms in a place that she felt comfortable reducing the anxiety that both she and her family would have felt throughout her care

Respect and Communication

2019-02-21 10:53:11 UTC

Shirley's family and carers worked together to help her die the way she had lived -from DNACPR, to having a social and caring environment in her end of life care which allowed her to flourish in her own way and maintain her fierce independence. What we've heard from the story sounds positive and I think sets a good example to how patients in EOL care should be treated.

2019-02-21 11:00:38 UTC

Shirley's personality was still as bright at the end of her life because she was listened to. She was kept properly informed about her health so that she knew what was coming and could prepare for it in her own time and with any help she may have needed.

Dignity, Respect and Patient Centred Care

2019-02-21 12:02:51 UTC

The staff and family respected supported and carried out Shirleys wishes throughout. This enabled Shirley to be at peace and allowed her to maintain her independance - something that has been important to her throughout her life. Although this posed some friction within the family initially, it allowed the family to come to terms with Shirley's passing and remember her the way she would have wanted.

Patient Centered Care

2020-02-17 22:51:35 UTC

Shirley had the final say in her end of life care and this must have empowered her. Even in the final days it his still important to ensure a patient is kept as comfortable as possible and have all their wishes met.

Patient centered needs

2020-02-19 17:34:21 UTC

Shirley was able to chose the environment and the people within her care in her last few days. This provided her with comfort and independence which is what we all work towards.

Patient Centred Care and Respect to her will

2020-02-20 10:34:28 UTC

Shirley's wills and wishes were supported by having advance discussion beforehand. This include choices such as staying at home and being taken care of by the people whom she knew love and cares about her. It is crucial to reassure Shirley that her remaining days will be respected and she could be at peace.

2022-03-10 10:55:34 UTC

The little things that Shirley wanted done were still being provided for her. For example, the 2 bourbons and a cup of tea late at night were still being given to her. This shows that thoughtful and caring care was provided to Shirley.

2023-03-09 10:21:25 UTC

Shirley was cared for in the way that she wanted to be, not anyone else. Her needs were met right up until the end, making the end of her life as good as it could be.

Her death was peaceful and without drama.

2023-03-09 10:59:20 UTC

She chose how she wanted to die, and her wishes were respected thanks to the advance care planning.

She was able to die as she lived.

2023-11-27 12:23:24 UTC

She was able to put plans in place and make her own decisions which were respected and carried out. Allowing her end of life care to comfort and support her, rather than traumatic resuscitation attempts.

She had a good quality of life in the care home

2024-03-11 10:51:22 UTC

Also affirming that that was where she wanted to be. She was able to socialise, see family, and partake in activities (and fish and chips!).

2024-03-11 11:00:47 UTC

Shirley’s wishes were met and her death was dealt with in a respectful, calm and personalised manor. The professionals prioritised her personal views as well as considering how the family felt at the difficult time. It is important that the patient has the final say in decisions concerning her end of life care. This was carried out very well and Shirley was able to carry on doing things she loved in her routine so she passed in the most comfortable and dignified way.

Patient centred

2024-03-11 11:01:09 UTC

The staff listened to the patient’s requests and allowed her to be surrounded by friends and family. She was not forced to fight at the end but was made comfortable. Shirley had different wishes to her husband which caused some conflict but in the end, the decision was left to Shirley which is an important factor- she was not put through something she didn’t want to experience. She was allowed to be as active as possible and the staff provided the much wanted entertainment and activities for her to get involved in.

2024-03-11 12:15:54 UTC

This story portrays how I think EOL care should be provided. It is very positive in the way it describes how Shirley's life comes to an end, where her full needs and expectations were met, even if there were some challenges along the way. Her recognition of her deterioration and persistent nature allowed her to make the most of her time left surrounded by loved ones. Her own decisions were appreciated and supported which is vital to provide the person-centred care she needed. Overall, this allowed her to be 'in the right place' when she died and highlights the importance of the care provided within the process of dying.

PCC in End of Life Care

2024-03-12 13:09:04 UTC

I think the story shows just how individual and person centred care can be for patients. I think the importance of PCC during End of life care is highlighted in this story for the benefit of Shirley. This allowed her continue to live up until the end, and then be at home, surrounded by friends and family during her EOL.