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Prep for Success- End-of-Life Cares & Communication
PROMOTING WELLNESS for Older Adults with CANCER (p.568)
Why are decisions about screening and treating cancer more complicated with an older
adult?
1. Older adults have been underrepresented in clinical trials, so there are fewer
evidence-based guidelines about recommendations.
2. Older adults are likely to have coexisting conditions that increase their
susceptibility to adverse effects of treatments.
3. Decisions about screening and treatment may be influenced by ageism.
Describe 3 nursing interventions that you would feel comfortable doing to offer
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT at end-of-life (p.609-610)
Listening reflectively to the patient’s and family’s story with a compassionate
presence
Demonstrating empathy and the ability to journey with others in their suffering
Recognizing and responding to spiritual distress and facilitating the discovery of
meaning in the experience of illness, suffering, grief, and loss
Eliciting key concerns with respect, including feelings of hopelessness, loss,
brokenness, and other unmet spiritual and religious needs
Identifying and responding to ethical issues and conflicts and assisting and
supporting others in the application of their own values in decision making
Creating therapeutic and healing spaces in which spiritual expression can occur
Facilitating the use of symbol and ritual according to the needs and values of the
patient and family
Offering sensitivity, prayer, music, scripture, or other readings that are
meaningful to the patient and family Supporting spiritual strengths of the patient
and family
Seeking additional resources as needed by the patient and family including
chaplaincy or other spiritual providers
Describe The Pause (See Moodle video):
It is a practice of honoring someone who has passed away
