Laura Tolboom

Research on how homecare staff cope with caring for dying individuals.

It happened on an early morning last year. I received a call on my work phone, asking if I could come as soon as possible. M is not well. He can't breathe. He's scared. I rushed over as quickly as I could. When I arrived, I found not only M, who was in severe respiratory distress, but also a homecare worker. She was there to care for M, who was dying. She was utterly terrified and devastated because she had never witnessed a person die before.
This situation is not unique in any way. Homecare workers care for all kinds of patients, from a 32-year-old with young children who is dying of cancer to a 95-year-old who needs help with cooking.
My research focuses on homecare workers and their experiences in caring for severely ill, dying patients. Many patients wish to die at home, and a large portion of them require home care. Caring for severely ill patients is challenging. Dying is not always beautiful; it can evoke strong emotions in those who witness it.
Homecare workers are expected to manage patient care, even if they have never seen anyone die or have formal medical training. They might be young, inexperienced, come from different cultures, or find Swedish a difficult language. Additionally, they often work under time pressure.
When confronted with a patient's suffering or death, caregivers can suffer harm themselves and become traumatized. If homecare workers recognize their own vulnerability, they may discover ways to protect themselves and continue providing care. Moreover, when healthcare organizations understand the risks associated with working with severely ill patients, they can find methods to better support homecare workers, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Background

I’m a RN specialized in palliative care from the Netherlands and I’ve worked in home-based palliative care for over 10 years in the north of Sweden. I’m pursuing a doctorate in palliative care nursing since September 2023.

Area of interest

nursing, palliative care, homecare, home death