Palliative care in the home?

Abstract

Finally, in conclusion, I return to the question: Palliative care at home? Indeed, it is an option, one that more and more PLWH/As are choosing. And to some extent, the choice to die at home is a testimony to the significant progress we have made in our ability and commitment to provide palliative care at home. The challenge before us is to find solutions to the problem when the option to die at home, based on existing services, is not viable. As is the case with every aspect of care along the HIV continuum, the difficulties we encounter in AIDS palliative care should be viewed as opportunities to expand our understanding of the HIV illness experience; the meaning of quality of life from the consumer's perspective and how it can be achieved and maintained; and how we as health professionals can work together in teams that honor and support the role of families, social networks, and community-based AIDS service organizations involved in AIDS palliative care. Despite the trend to shift part of our focus from institutional to community settings of care, we must never lose sight of the fact that when we enter the homes of our clients, regardless of our role, we are guests. And it is in that role that we must, when necessary, put aside our loyalty to traditional approaches to care and open our hearts and minds to the direction and needs of those who choose to die at home with AIDS.