Reflective paper in PALLIATIVE CARE 260 - Essay Example

The pain that the patient was going through usually brought in him feelings of depression and hopelessness, especially with the realization that chances of survival were slim. The patient had decided to make an end of life plan in the last 6 months of the 45th year, which doctors had assured him would not end before he died. For sure, he died in the 5th month. The end of life plans included a will, which he gave me to give his son after he completed high school. To him, I was more understanding than his 16 year old son who had lost his mother in a tragic road accident.

He was the only child in the family and my uncle felt that he could be spoiled if he was exposed to the wealth before completion of his final year in high school. Care was provided for the patient to improve his quality of life and also ensure that it would be prolonged to last at least six months from the date that the doctors diagnosed him with terminal illness. Counselors from the local health center used to visit the patient’s home once per week to comfort him regarding the possibility of his life being prolonged despite the illness.

Sometimes the local preacher who worked hand in hand with the healthcare professionals would accompany them to provide spiritual nourishment to the patient. The patient used to sigh with relief every time the group visited the home. He asserted that he felt taken care of and never suffered from rejection. The care that he received was similar to the palliative care that Lee et al. (2002) argued is significant for a society that has value for its members. According to him, people need to be encouraged even if it is known that there are slim chances for survival.

The trauma of being aware that the day of dying is nearing may lead to stress and fear especially during the night when everybody else retires to sleep. Loneliness engulfs the ailing person and the fact that the exact time he/she will die is not known generates anxiety and feelings of