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Isn’t it tough when clients pass away?Thursday, June 20, 2019
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I get asked this question a lot. And the answer is yes, without a doubt, yes. It certainly is sad when a client passes away. We have many long-standing clients whom we have served for years. We have seen them through major life transformations, journeyed with them as their health and abilities fluctuate, and have been at their side in their final moments.
These are people for whom we have provided intimate personal care. These are people who entrusted us with even more than their physical needs; we are often their listening ear, the ones who reassure them when they voice fears or concerns, the ones who acknowledge and validate their current reality.
Our clients are more than clients. They are an extended family with whom we share deeply meaningful moments. So the answer is absolutely yes—when a client passes away it certainly does impact us.
The next question that usually follows is: “how do you keep doing it? If losing clients is tough, how do you not get depressed by it all?”
That is a tougher question to answer, but finding the answer to this question makes all the difference in the world. It is always important to step back and consider the impact that we have made in the client’s life and the lives of their family.
Impact in the Client’s Life
We had a long-term client who passed away just last week. Over ten months ago, she was deemed palliative and initially was told she may only have a few weeks left to live. She proved everyone wrong! Every day our fabulous caregivers arrived to spend quality time together, with hopes of drawing out her charming smile. Many have suggested that she lived for our daily visits; it is possible that the companionship of our team contributed to her surviving months longer than doctors predicted.
We impact our client’s lives each and every day. We arrive at each client visit with the viewpoint of: “how can I make today a better day for this client?” We have countless heartwarming moments that will make you laugh or cry—or both! We share these Heartfelt Moments so others can feel the joy and deep meaning that we experience. We aim to make every day special for clients—whether it’s our first visit with them, or it’s within their final days.
Impact in the Family’s Lives
Recently, we were asked to provide palliative care to a client who had stage four cancer that was rapidly progressing. Although we did not have years of history with this client, we quickly grew to love her too. It was her family’s wish that she remain in her apartment until the very end—they desperately did not want their mother to pass away in hospital. Our attendant care granted this family their final wish for their mother. She passed away in her own bed, at peace, with someone holding her hand.
We cannot doubt that the family was impacted. The family had peace of mind knowing that someone was with their mother around the clock at times that they could not be present. They knew she had the tender and loving care that she deserved. They were granted their wish to have their mother pass away in her own bed at home.
In moments when we are tempted to feel sad and depressed because clients have passed away, I stop to consider—what impact did we make? If we were brought in specifically to provide palliative care to someone in need, and we successfully enabled them to remain at home and experience the passing they had envisioned, what more could I ask? When I realize that without our care, the family’s wish and the client’s wishes might not have been granted, then I realize that it would be selfish of me NOT to provide the care and support that they request.
When I recognize that our clients received a higher quality of life for the final months or years of their life, I realize that it is all worth it. I am a better person for each of the clients I have met. They each leave a lasting touch. What a blessing that I get to meet so many incredible people who touch my life, and who have entrusted me with the great honour of impacting their lives too.
So is it tough to lose clients? Yes, it most certainly is. Is it depressing though? I would say no, it is not depressing. Instead, it is a blessing to have been invited into the client’s life at such an important time. I am honoured, I am blessed, and I am touched. |
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Chloe Hamilton 112 March 27, 2024 |
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Lissette Mairena Wong 34 January 31, 2024 |
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Avery Hamilton 4 June 7, 2018 |
