Assistance for Family and Caregivers

Whether the LTMV patient is living at home or in an institution, family support is critical for coping with the demands of a ventilated patient. Provision of professional support to help address specific issues of concern is recommended to ease the burden for families (12,26). Interventions to enhance a family s advocacy skills, for patients, can also be helpful in increasing a family member s sense of control and self-efficacy. For palliative patients, providing family members with the opportunity to discuss their own feelings related to guilt and grief can be beneficial. 

Treating persons requiring LTMV is a challenging but rewarding experience. The clinical staff and caregivers will observe not only some of the most severe forms of emotional distress but also some of the most heroic adjustments of any patient group. Becoming 

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