Feb 21 2025 41 mins
After a profound encounter with death as a live-in carer, Maxine Last found her calling in end-of-life care. Join us as Maxine, a Clinical Project Lead at Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, shares her transformative journey and insights into the differences between palliative and end-of-life care. Together, we unravel the emotional and practical complexities of navigating careers in this deeply empathetic field, including the valuable lessons learned and stories shared during pivotal moments in hospice and hospital settings.
Prepare to explore the critical role of communication and preparedness in end-of-life experiences. We discuss the need for open conversations about wills, power of attorney, and medical interventions, drawing on poignant anecdotes from guests like Becky Ricks and Shawn Leek. By emphasizing the importance of understanding patient wishes and the impact of having these conversations early, we aim to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions, ultimately alleviating some of the anxieties surrounding mortality.
In our discussion, we also explore the creative potential within charitable endeavours, like the Butterfly Service, highlighting how resourceful community engagement can foster positive change. By advocating for patient rapport and showcasing initiatives that bridge gaps in care, we underline the profound influence compassionate care has on patients and their families. As we reflect on our own journeys, we invite you to contribute creatively to these meaningful causes, ensuring that support and advocacy continue to enhance the lives of those at the end stages of life.
For those interested in what Palliative care looks like at home there is "The Last Kiss" (Not a Romance)
Available on Amazon now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Kiss-Romance-Carers-Stories/dp/1919635289/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13D6YWONKR5YH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._59mNNFoc-rROuWZnAQfsG0l3iseuQuK_gx-VxO_fe6DLJR8M0Az039lJk_HxFcW2o2HMhIH3r3PuD7Dj-D6KTwIHDMl2Q51FGLK8UFYOBwbRmrLMbpYoqOL6I5ruLukF1vq7umXueIASDS2pO91JktkZriJDJzgLfPv1ft5UtkdQxs9isRDmzAYzc5MKKztINcNGBq-GRWKxgvc_OV5iKKvpw0I5d7ZQMWuvGZODlY.fqQgWV-yBiNB5186RxkkWvQYBoEsDbyq-Hai3rU1cwg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+last+kiss+not+a+romance&qid=1713902566&s=books&sprefix=The+Last+kiss+n%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1