| Topic: | Re:End Of Life Protocol... | |
| Posted by: | Philippa Bond | |
| Date/Time: | 07/02/24 12:40:00 |
| There used to be the Liverpool Care Pathway which was in many cases not used in the way in which it was intended with many patients being distressed through thirst. This had a lot of bad press (there is plenty on the internet) and was moved on from. Patients were also being put on this without any consultation with family who were visiting and asking about the welfare of their loved one. We do not prepare ourselves enough for old age or disability and how we would live in our homes should something happen to us - what adjustments and changes we would need to make - or discuss it with our nearest and dearest. Great ideas about building homes for life and even just the accessibility of public buildings and transport seems too often to have failed following reports, recommendations and laws. The frustration of someone who has had a stroke and cannot communicate is devastating and you will have to learn to asked what are closed questions which if you yourself are in shock is made harder. I thought that our GPs at one time had been tasked with asking us whether we wanted Do Not Resuscitate written on our notes - that is certainly better than a person with a clipboard meeting you with the question as you enter the hospital. You will also have to consider whether or what funds you have for ongoing care because it can be a real fight to get any even if you think you are eligible and there is a lack of care staff. The small Carers Allowance also stops when you retire so you had better have a good pension. We've all got to go sometime. |