Assignment Task:
Instructions:
PSW's support the person and family. In a one-page essay, describe ways in which the PSW in this story has provided support to not only the dying person, but to the entire family.
I arrived at the home to pronounce the death of the mother, help prepare her body, and provide support for the family. The PSW served tea to the woman's husband and settled him in his recliner. She then sat with the woman's daughter and listened to stories of her mother and of growing up on the prairies. After I completed my tasks, we visited while we waited for the funeral home attendants to arrive. The daughter talked of the care received from the health care team and the benefits of having a PSW. She said, "Everyone was helpful, the nurses, doctors, counsellor, the cancer centre and the neighbors.....but Martha, the PSW made it all work. She has been here for us. She listened to each of us - Mom, Dad, my brothers and myself. She did not offer advice except when we specifically asked her to. Martha gave Mom excellent physical care. Martha knew what to expect. When we got worried about changes with Mom, Marth knew who and when to call for help, and she knew when to tell us not to worry. When Mom's breathing became irregular, Martha assured us this was normal. A while later when the breathing sounds became wet, Martha told us it was time to call for the home care nurse. Martha made it all work. Before I left the home, I took Martha aside and asked her how she developed such competence in caregiving. Marth described the support she received from her supervisor, the home care nurses who involved her in their assessments and answered her questions and Martha also told of the education she had received on caring for the dying. Not all deaths are this peaceful nor do all teams function this well. However, I left this home contemplating the benefits of good teamwork and particularly the impact of a great PSW! Need Online Assistance?