PREPARATION
Interview the family and find out about the client’s
former life.
Notice the family dynamics – ensure that any family
discussions, debates etc do not take place ‘ above”
the client.
Notice the atmosphere in the room.
Acquaint yourself with the machines and nurses timetables/schedule
of activities.
Place a “comments book” at the end of the bed
so that family members and friends can comment on any changes
or shifts they observe while visiting.
SELF
Wear simple clothes and use the same soap or perfume each
time you visit the client.
Always introduce yourself and ask permission to work with
the client.
Always announce your departure and tell the client when you
are returning.
Notice your own emotions and consider that you might be picking
up the client’s emotions too.
CLIENT
Notice the position, posture or any movements of the client
on you or others entering the room.
To begin with, touch the client on the wrist or elbow, put
your head near his/ her ear and speak when she/he breathes
out and in short sentences.
Be careful of indiscriminate touch as you may be abusing or
violating someone’s personal space…..
Encourage the client to use all their senses – hearing,
visual, verbal, feeling, movement,
Try to establish a communication method – it may be
a finger that moves, a twitch of an eyebrow, a swallow –
that can help set up a yes/ no ( binary) answer system.
Try to join the client where he/she is ( she may be in a very
dreamy place or altered state and not easily relate to day
to day life.
Ask the client whether they are in pain/happy/ sad etc –
follow them and where they want to take the conversation –
this requires some guesswork on your part but it shouldn’t
be you projecting feelings or thoughts onto the client.
LISTEN to what they have to say!
Explain the noises and activities round their bed if they
seem connected to day to day reality.
ENCOURAGE any self expression by mirroring
it and trying to extend it.
Allow rest time for the client if they seem tired
Allow rest time if you feel tired.
ACKNOWLEDGE the family may need time to
talk to you and may express strong emotions . Try not to judge
those emotions but support the family member or friend in
their journey too.
Take time after a session to deal with your own emotions
– you may want to call a friend or co-carer and debrief.
return to COMA CARE
