I have been a nurse for 22 years and worn many hats in the health care profession. However, it was not until a recent personal experience that I learned the importance of the patient and family. My mom was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, and as her disease progressed, so did my responsibilities to ensure that all her care needs were being met. I often found myself exhausted to the point that I felt overwhelmed when making the simplest decisions. During this time, I was able to use my nursing expertise to cope during a very difficult journey with my mom.
Here are suggestions for those who may find themselves in a similar situation:
Family is who we say it is. This means it’s okay to identify your support system. As an only child, I was in a unique situation. My husband helped me reach out to our close friends and extended family to get their support. I am grateful that they were willing to be a part of my life and travel this often winding road. Utilizing family is essential to help you cope as well as avoid caregiver fatigue.
Information is power. Take your knowledge beyond Google. I attended multiple physician appointments, looked at alternative care and sought out second opinions. I wanted to make sure that our family had all the information and options we needed as my mom progressed in her illness. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you get the answers. Share your information!
In today’s world of health care, we are expected to be active participants in our loved one’s care. Participation is essential at home or when you are seeking professional health care services. I was blessed to have a healthy collaborative relationship with my mom’s physicians and caregivers. I suggest attending as many appointments as you can or sending a list of questions. Often, the patient is overwhelmed and the news is not always positive, so they may only hear half the conversation.
Most importantly, work with health care providers who understand the true meaning of treating their patients with respect and dignity. This is essential when emotions are running high and when difficult decisions need to be made. In my mom’s journey, hospice and home health helped to maintain her dignity and showed respect for who she was as a person.
Wearing my professional hat as a nurse as well as valuing the patient and family experience allowed me to be more effective in caring for my mom. This helped us spend more meaningful moments together until her journey ended in June of 2014. FBN
Leah Veschio, RN, MSN is the director of community outreach at The Peaks Senior Living Community. She can reached at 928-774-7106, ext. 2022.