Omega
-
The assessment of suicide risk in institutionalized older people has received less attention in comparison with those not institutionalized. The studies carried out show contradictory data on the prevalence of risk in this population group. ⋯ A prevalence of 38.4% is obtained, and an association between suicide risk and the factors depression and perception of health. The results indicate to us the necessity for actions directed at decreasing the suicide rate in geriatric homes.
-
This article describes the creation and development of a sustainable, community-supported children's bereavement camp. Numerous grief camps were examined prior to the project development. The project development was guided by the S. ⋯ One child "got her sparkle back" according to her grandmother. Several campers commented that camp allowed them to see themselves as normal children. The goal of Camp Healing Hearts was that campers would laugh again, and they are.
-
Family caregivers often suffer higher levels of physical and emotional distress when caring for a chronically or terminally ill family member. Providing this kind of care to a loved one at the end of life contributes to increased stress, health problems, and a decreased quality of life. The Hospice Caregiver Support Project provided support services to caregivers identified by the hospice social worker as needing this support and/or assistance. Results from the project show that offering additional services relieved caregiver stress by allowing the caregiver time away from their caregiving role and reducing feelings of guilt and worry, and increased hospice social worker satisfaction with their ability to respond to the needs of hospice patients and caregivers.
-
The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMCCC) Grief and Loss Program provides supportive care services during bereavement which is considered part of the care continuum. This program received 50 death notifications per month upon project initiation and currently receives approximately 125 per month. Initial program evaluation was conducted via a pilot survey of bereaved parents as well as verbal and written evaluations from the transdisciplinary staff of Patient and Family Support Services. ⋯ Based on program evaluation, grief support continues through the use of mail/e-mail and phone calls to those at risk for complicated grief Three to four gatherings per year are offered rather than monthly support groups, and connections to community resources are provided. The Comfort And Resources at End of Life (C-A-R-E) program was implemented to support and educate staff. Next steps include further program evaluation and potential research to examine best practices for the bereaved.
-
Dignity Therapy (DT) is an intervention designed to lessen existential suffering as death draws near. DT has a growing evidence base, with positive outcomes for patients and their family members; however, it is not yet widely available in community settings. ⋯ DT was found to be feasible and acceptable to the majority of patients and their families. DT outcomes will be presented, along with suggestions for clinicians who are interested in offering DT in their practices.