What's Best For Lily? An end of life care teaching film for care home staff

Summary

The transcript captures a poignant conversation between a caregiver and a family member, navigating the delicate balance of caregiving and difficult decisions. Lily, the resident, is experiencing declining health, showing signs of confusion and physical frailty. Her son, struggling with feelings of helplessness, discusses her condition with the care staff, weighing the options between keeping her at home or sending her to the hospital. As the staff offers reassurance and emotional support, they reflect on Lily's preferences and her past, providing comfort to her family. Ultimately, Lily passes away peacefully in her sleep, leaving a bittersweet sense of closure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lily's mother is receiving care in a home environment, and her condition has been deteriorating, with increased confusion and difficulty swallowing.
• 😀 The healthcare staff is attentive to Lily’s mother's needs, regularly checking on her comfort and well-being, such as adjusting her chair and ensuring she is clean and comfortable.
• 😀 The family is grappling with difficult decisions about whether to send Lily's mother to the hospital due to her worsening condition and infection, but they want to respect her wish to avoid hospitals.
• 😀 There is an ongoing discussion about preparing for potential future health declines, with care staff suggesting the family think about a plan for when Lily’s mother's health deteriorates further.
• 😀 Lily’s mother seems to have a strong connection to her past, as evidenced by her fondness for listening to the radio, especially shows she used to enjoy.
• 😀 Lily’s son is concerned about his mother's health, often checking in and feeling restless due to her condition and his inability to act decisively.
• 😀 The healthcare team is concerned about Lily's mother's nutritional status, as she seems thinner and has been less responsive, which is impacting her care plan.
• 😀 The staff offers comfort by ensuring that Lily's mother is well taken care of, including making sure she is clean, comfortable, and aware of familiar surroundings, like the radio.
• 😀 The family is uncertain about the right course of action for Lily’s mother, with internal debates about whether hospitalization is the right choice, given her previous negative experiences with hospitals.
• 😀 Lily's mother passes away peacefully in her sleep, and the family is informed of her passing with compassion and understanding from the care staff.

Q & A

What is the primary concern of the speaker regarding Lily's mother?

The speaker is concerned about Lily's mother's health, particularly her increasing confusion, lack of recognition, and decreased appetite. They also mention that the infection is worsening her condition.

What is the family’s stance on sending Lily's mother to the hospital?

The family is hesitant to send Lily's mother to the hospital due to her previous bad experiences with hospitals. They prefer to keep her at home and ensure she's comfortable with the care she receives.

What is mentioned as one of the mother's favorite activities?

Lily's mother enjoys listening to the radio, particularly her favorite radio shows, which help her feel more at ease.

What specific care routine is mentioned for Lily's mother?

The care routine includes ensuring Lily's mother is comfortable, such as brushing her hair and performing mouth care. The staff also pays attention to her comfort by adjusting her position and providing her with a hot drink if needed.

How does Lily's mother respond to the situation as described in the script?

Lily’s mother is often confused, appears restless, and seems to have difficulty swallowing, particularly with dry biscuits. She also sometimes reacts negatively when the topic of hospitals is brought up.

What is the role of Nurse Garcia in the situation?

Nurse Garcia discusses the potential need for a plan if Lily’s mother's health worsens, addressing the long-term care needs and the family’s decision about hospital care.

What is the significance of the mother's previous hospital experiences?

The mother had negative experiences with hospitals, which contributes to the family's reluctance to send her there. This history is a key factor in their decision to try and manage her care at home.

What does the family want for Lily's mother's care?

The family wants to ensure that Lily's mother is comfortable, with as much familiarity and peace as possible. They aim to avoid hospital care and ensure she is looked after with compassion and respect at home.

How does the speaker suggest helping Lily's mother feel more comfortable?

The speaker suggests simple gestures like playing her favorite radio shows, brushing her hair, and making sure she has everything she needs to stay comfortable. They also emphasize the importance of keeping her environment familiar.

How does the script describe the emotional state of Lily’s family members?

The family members, especially Lily, are emotionally distressed and conflicted about what is best for her mother. They express feelings of guilt, confusion, and concern, particularly regarding whether or not to send her to the hospital.