b'PALLIATIVE CAREApproaching thepalliative care discussionHow to make the end-of-life journey easier for all involvedE nd-of-life care can be a difficultlater helps caregivers gain a deeper"The notion of \'early\' in the context topic to broach. A residentsawareness of their options andof these conversations is a tricky family or friends may not bemove forward in collaboration andconcept because what does it really ready to face the implications or makeconfidence with the home\'s mean?" notes Dr. Russell Goldman, the emotionally charged decisionsclinical teams. Director of the Temmy Latner Centre that ensue. Nevertheless, discussingfor Palliative Care. "Even thinking palliative care early into a residents"Whenever we have the opportunityabout \'early\' isn\'t necessarily early; it long-term care journey can help maketo go through the process beforejust means earlier than most people the experience beneficial for all.something happens and make itare doing it right now, which is often person-centred, with everyonekind of too late or in a crisis. And then, Ive been a part of theseinvolved, I feel we\'ve done the verysometimes, those moments of crisis conversations probably more timesbest thing we can do for the residentmay also be the right time to have a than I can count. It never gets easier,and their family at that stage," saysconversation because decisions need but in my years within long-term careto be made at that point in time based Ive found that outcomes are usuallyMunshaw. "It just gives families thaton the circumstances at hand."better for everyone when we cansense of comfort and peace of mind talk about end-of-life care before athat we did everything we could toIn short, Dr. Goldman says, early is residents status changes suddenlymake it comfortable for them." subjective. Even when the right time and the family has to make all theseDefining early unveils itself, theres no guarantee important decisions at once whileWhen it comes to consulting onthat a residents caregivers will be managing these intense emotions,end-of-life care, early is a movingon board. As such, establishing a says Brie Munshaw, Associate Directortarget. True, the palliative performancefoundation of trust and respect in of Care with Cedarvale Terrace Longscale (PPS) can help point the wayadvance of this conversation is, Term Care Home. and long-term care clinical teams canultimately, the earliest step that long-pick up on signs that the time mayterm care teams can take. Discussions on palliative care willbe getting closer. Still, the end-of-life always carry an emotional weight, nojourney is unique for every resident,Trust is vital, agrees Munshaw. matter when they occur. Still, havingand circumstances can suddenlyIts one of the reasons I work very the conversation earlier rather thanchange overnight.diligently to get to know our families 18 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2023'