As part of the Hospice team they provide a reassuring presence to the resident and their support network in many different ways:
- Listens, assesses and evaluates any concerns or perceptions the resident may have, encouraging the resident to express his or her wishes, needs and fears.
- Advocates on their behalf, helping everyone to work through and understand many of the changes that occur as the resident’s health declines.
- Assists the resident to develop a plan of care including psychological, emotional and spiritual needs and any and all community resources necessary to make informed decisions about such things as: funeral arrangements, financial or legal matters or survivor benefits, ensuring that no one is excluded.
- Helps to prepare residents, families and other significant others with knowledge of what they can generally anticipate about the dying process. Most important is talking about and normalizing the kaleidoscope of emotions that people have during this difficult time.
- Assists family and close friends who are experiencing the waves of emotional distress just prior to or after their loved one has died. The Patient & Family Support
- Coordinator makes follow-up calls to some families to see how a spouse or other loved one is coping after the death and offers short-term counselling for those in need after their loss.
- Provides education to volunteers and staff on such topics as compassion, fatigue and healthy caregiving.
For more information please contact our Patient & Family Support Coordinator, Shannon Ball, at 613-938-2763 Ext: 4142
