IMPLICATIONS FOR GERIATRIC
NURSING
Providing family-centered care in the ICU is important to both older adult patients dying in the ICU and their family members. Table 1 summarizes strategies for promoting family-centered end-of-life care, and Table 2 provides relevant web resources. Older adults who are dying may have a spouse or significant other who is also older and may have personal health concerns that may limit his or her ability to visit. In addition, older adults may be coping with more than one seriously ill family member or friend and may also have recently endured a death of another close family member or friend (Balas, Casey, & Happ, 2010).
Nurses are able to provide several things when caring for geriatric patients to improve end-of-life care in the ICU. First, it is essential that family members are advised, and, if needed, helped to complete advance directives early. Advance directives are important, as they let others know what individuals would want if they are not able to communicate
with others. Advance directives also provide important information regarding who should make decisions if individuals are not able to make their own. There is also evidence that the presence of an advance directive helps families of critically ill patients make end-of-life treatment decisions (Mayer & Kossoff, 1999; Tilden et al., 1999, 2001).
In the ICU setting, nurses should get to know each patient and family’s story, advocate for open and regular communication between the family and the health care team, and participate in family meetings. Nurses need to carefully listen to what is said in family meetings and observe family responses. Nurses can clarify misperceptions if they occur and reinforce discussions with families after family meetings. Nurses play an important role helping patients and families orient to the ICU and then navigate through a critical illness, as they are often the ones in most contact with the patient and family.
Lastly, nurses play an essential role in preparing families for the end of life. Nurses need to tell families what to expect when LST is withheld and withdrawn. Families need to know that the main goal of care for their family member is promotion of comfort. They need to know what signs and symptoms may occur during the dying process and what will be done to promote a peaceful dying process. Families also need to be told that they will be supported through the dying process.