Week 9 Flashcards
Attitudes towards death and dying
-we live in a death-avoidant society with little death literacy
How dying has changed since 1900s
-most people used to die in their homes but now 65% of people will die in a facility
WHO palliative care definition
-approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life threatening illness
Hospice palliative care ontario definition
-holistic care - comfort, meaning, and support for people facing the end of life and their families
Palliative care components
-compassion
-upholds patients right to die with dignity
-provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
-affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
-intends neither to hasten or postpone death
Where do people receive palliative care
-at home
-in community
-in hospitals
-in long term care
-in residential hospices
Who is on a palliative care team
-family physician
-palliative nurses
-physiotherapists
-pharmacists
-nutritionists
-chiropractors
-occupational therapists
-religious/spiritual coaches
What does dying look and feel like socially
-social withdrawl
-hallucinations
-excessive fatigue and sleep
-temporary dramatic improvement
What does dying look and feel like digestive
-less interest in food
-odd cravings
-no longer eating and drinking
-incontinence
What does dying look and feel like muscular
-loss of movement, muscle tone, and sensation
-jaw drops, mouth stays open
-face looks peaceful and relaxed
What does dying look and feel like circulatory
-pulse is fast, weak, and irregular
-blood pressure falls
-skin is mottled or bluish
-cold hands and feet
What does dying look and feel like respiratory
-cheyne stokes breathing
-gurgling sound
Signs of death
-absence of pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
-fixed, dilated pupils
What care does a dying person need
-listening
-gentle touch
-compassion
-pain relief
-physical comfort
-vision support
-hearing support
What happens after someone dies
-postmortem care
-death is certified
-body disposition
Postmortem care
-positioning body before rigor mortis
-personal care
-rituals
How is death certified
-healthcare provider pronounces death
-physician completes a medical death certificate
-death is registered
Body disposition
-get burial permit
-body is transported
-cremation
-aquamation
-standard burial etc
2SLGBTQIA+ demographics
-more likely to be single
-less likely to have children that will take care of them
-less likely to be in contact with family
-more likely to be socially isolated
-more likely to experience mental health issues
2SLGBTQIA+ factors that negatively impact healthcare
-discrimination or stigma
-chosen family may be not respected as next of kin
-increased pressure on caregivers
What does this stigma look like in practice
-misgendering
-multiple partners aren’t respected
-gendered facilities
-patient isnt out to all of their family members
Historical considerations for 2SLGBTQIA+
-traumatic causes of death in the community
-lack of trust in the medical system
-lack of elders to turn to
Community care for 2SLGBTQIA+
-alternative care when health systems fail us
-alternative spiritual practices when religion shuns us
-more caregivers for friends
Social isolation of 2LGBTQIA+
-sometimes have to be recloseted in long term care homes
-fellow queer friends are dying
-lack of resources aimed at seniors
-pressure of compulsive heterosexuality
Funeral considerations of 2LGBTQIA+
-burial clothes
-gendered washrooms
-funeral home staff
What does a death doula do
-psychosocial support
-spiritual and religious support
-legacy project work
-caregiver respite
-ritual design and faciliatation
