Impact of hospice admission on occupations

Paul was admitted for a week’s respite at the hospice and it was clear what a huge impact this had on his occupations. The staff were extremely caring but he found it very hard to cope as he felt he lost his independence and chose to return home after a few days. 
On his first morning back home he text:

10 September
“What a wonderful day waking up in my own bed. No one in my face. Just going at my own pace. It is so much better”

Burkhart et al., (2011) comment that the pleasure and sense of self worth when participating in familiar occupations, even as basic as making a cup of coffee when you want it can’t be measured.
With inpatients, symptom and pain control becomes a priority and there tend to be fewer resources available to support a dying person to continue participating in their usual roles and occupations (Ashworth, 2013). 

“I’m aware that the ward routine may limit engagement in occupations” (R. Harrison, personal communication, 18 June 2015).

“Frequently we are too focused on the nursing/medical side and forget all the other things” (E. Barrett, personal communication, 12 June 2015).