Behaviors | Characteristics | Operational definitions | |
---|---|---|---|
Positive | Negative | ||
Recognizing and responding to changes is resident’s pattern of behavior | a) Use of knowledge and skills in dementia and palliative care; b) Integration of knowing resident’s normal way of being with changes being witnessed; c) Altering plan of care based on assessment | Behaviors that recognize and act on changes in resident’s normal patterns of behavior Behaviors that recognize dementia is a terminal illness | Behaviors that fail to acknowledge the significance of the changes in resident’s pattern of behavior Behaviors that continue with same approach to care |
Attending to the person | a) Acknowledge individuality; b) Therapeutic use of self; c) Provision of physical and psychological comfort | Behaviors that honor the individuality of the resident Behaviors that convey an emotional connection toward the resident Behaviors that seek to achieve and maintain physical and psychological comfort | Behaviors that lack of honoring of the individuality of the resident. Avoidance of dying residents Poor symptom management because of a poor knowledge base |
Working with family | a) Normalizing dementia and dying; b) Decreasing potential for future regret; c) Keeping family comfortable while sitting vigil | Behaviors that reduce potential for future regret Behaviors that respond to family’s need for information Behaviors that maintain family involvement and respect expertise of the family Behaviors that assist with family member’s comfort | Behaviors that exclude family as part of unit of care Behaviors that are reactive rather than proactive Passing judgement on family decisions and family behaviors toward the resident |
Engaging with others | a) Getting help; b) Teamwork | Behaviors that actively engage those best able to meet the needs of the resident | Behaviors that exclude others from the care of the resident Behaviors that maintain hierarchy |
Responding after the death has occurred | a) Spending time with resident and family; b) Remembering and celebrating resident through storytelling c) Rituals (I think this needs a bit more specificity. Rituals that are family/culturally sensitive and specific d) What about supporting other staff here? | Behaviors that demonstrate respect toward the resident and family Behaviors that honor and remember the resident Behaviors that provide emotional support for self, colleagues, and family members | Avoidance behaviors |
Having a positive attitude towards care of the dying | a) Advocate; b) Mentor; c) Bearing witness | Behaviors that demonstrate the health care provider has defined personal role in care for dying | Behaviors that show a lack of confidence in care for dying |