Powerlessness In National Suicide Prevention And Awareness

Writing about powerlessness and seeing it in the clinical setting are two completely different scenarios. During our clinical experience, I have cared for clients that show the cardinal signs and symptoms of powerlessness and even verbalize that they have “lost all hope,” “feel lost” and “powerless” with their lives. A poem that was written in 2013 summarizes what my patient feels in her last weeks of life. The following poem was written for the National Suicide Prevention and Awareness organization but fits into my client’s life. My patient (D.R.) has subjectively stated that “all she wants to do is die.” (DR, 2017) In her last months of life, she has been entirely dependent on the staff for any and all activities of daily life. This poem …show more content…
I have cared for some people who have taught me things I never thought I would know and meet some pretty incredible people. Within the weeks at the long-term care facility, I have met many residents that show the clinical signs of powerlessness. One resident in particular (D.R.), is a long-time resident of this long-term care facility. D.R. is a 101-year-old Caucasian female resident who was born and raised in Michigan and was married for many years until her husband passed away. In her long life, D.R. has three kids and now many grandchildren. After the passing of her husband, D.R. lived alone in the house her, and her husband lived in for many years. Within the last couple years, D.R.’s heath took a turn for the worst and started a decline which caused her family to have no choice but put her in a long-term care facility where she now …show more content…
is support system enhancement. Support system enhancement is to help enhance the support of the patient’s family, friends, and community (Wilkinson & Ahern, 2009). During the care of someone with powerlessness and also who is on hospice, family and friends can be a huge support system for the resident. The National Institute of Heath informs us that when family members and friends are clueless with how to help or what to say to the patient then usually stop visiting or avoid the patient. The NIH continues to state than just a simple hand touch or a conversation with the patient can make him/her feel more comfortable and less powerless in their life (NIH, 2016). In the case of D.R. who is on hospice and living out her remaining weeks of life, family support can make her more comfortable and relaxed with the end of life process. Enhancing the support system for anyone with powerlessness can empower them to take on more with their daily activates and