PALLIATIVE CARE OPTIMIZES
QUALITY OF LIFE
P
alliative Care is Community Member and family centered care that optimizes quality of life. This specialized care designed for those with serious illness involves addressing
WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE? Brown further explained that the purpose of an integrated Palliative
physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs and
Care Program is to promote the highest quality of life for the
facilitating autonomy, access to information, and choice. Some
Community Member and family. Through this team approach,
nursing homes have employed special staff to provide these
multiple positive goals are achieved. Regular and high quality
services to improve care. Rowntree Gardens has adapted and
communication and coordination between team members,
implemented the Integrated Palliative Care Services Model. They
Community Members and family is enhanced. Support can
have also employed new staff that is specially trained for this aspect
be provided for family members’ emotional adjustment to the
of care, and has established this service within the Independent,
changes related to their loved one, guiding them with compassion
Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care units.
and education. With immediate and long-term planning, and with
“In late 2016, we decided we were doing “good” in the area of living our brand and focus,” explained Randy Brown, CEO and Chair of the Board, Rowntree Gardens. “However, that “good” wasn’t good
our onsite health center open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our palliative model also reduces or eliminates emergency visits and unplanned hospital admissions.
enough if we could do better. From that came a new integrated Palliative Care Program, which was adopted campus-wide. By adopting this program and the philosophy behind Palliative Care, we were able to meet even more of our community members’ needs and advocate for them during their transitions through the different levels of care they experience, and also enhance the assistance provided to them in dealing with the challenges that life brings.”
HOW DOES IT WORK? In order to be part of the Palliative Care Program, a referral is made. These referrals come from many sources, such as physicians, nurses, family members, self-referral, social workers, and clergy. A Palliative Care Nurse plays a vital role by providing the Community
“Rowntree Gardens is proud to be able to provide Palliative Care
Member with an introduction/education about Palliative Care
to its Community Members and families, continued Brown. “It
Services, and explanations of Advance Care Planning and Goals of
serves as a complement to its trademark compassionate, devoted
Care, as well as providing support to family members. In addition,
daily care services, administered through innovative teamwork,
Rowntree Garden’s Palliative Care identifies cultural needs related
and optimal strengthening in all areas of body, mind, and spirit.
to health care experiences and adapts the plans of care accordingly.
This allows us to advocate for our community members on both
Plans of care optimize management of symptoms and diseases,
clinical and relational issues. It is our goal to continue in growth and
utilization of resources, and provision of support for the Community
excellence as we serve the needs of the seniors in our community.”
Members’ body, mind, and spirit.
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