How can a PSW help families manage end-of-life care decisions?

The selection to encourage family discussions while respecting wishes reflects a core responsibility of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in end-of-life care scenarios. This approach fosters open communication among family members, enabling them to express their thoughts, concerns, and feelings regarding the care and wishes of their loved one. By facilitating these discussions, a PSW can help ensure that all voices are heard, and that the care plan aligns with the patient's preferences and needs, as well as the family's understanding and acceptance of those wishes.

Engaging in these conversations can help clarify misunderstandings, relieve anxieties, and promote a sense of cooperation among family members during a difficult time. It also supports the emotional well-being of all parties involved, as they collaboratively navigate the complexities of end-of-life decisions.

The other options do not fully capture the role of a PSW. Providing information about legal matters alone is too narrow to encompass the emotional and relational dynamics at play in end-of-life care. Focusing solely on the patient's wishes, while disregarding family input, could lead to conflict or distress among family members. Providing no support is contrary to the very purpose of a PSW, whose role is to assist and support families through challenging moments in healthcare.