Introduction
I spent six weeks working with Age Care Foundation (ACF). ACF is a Non-Governmental Organization in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, established in 2012. The foundation's objectives are to “provide Geriatric care services to underprivileged elders and palliative/supportive care to persons with health-related suffering, particularly those with incurable illnesses.”
My experience with ACF in Visakhapatnam, my hometown, was personally significant. I left India when I was 6 years old therefore, this journey allowed me to reconnect with my roots and establish connections beyond my immediate family, opening my eyes to the incredible work being done on improving access to palliative care.
Palliative care is an approach/form of medical care that aims to improve the quality of life of people with terminal illnesses or serious life-limiting illnesses. It is a holistic approach that seeks to address the psychosocial, physical, and spiritual aspects of the patient’s experience.
I spent most mornings learning about palliative care in ACF’s hospice. This experience transformed my perspective on life and death. I witnessed the final moments of several patients with terminal illnesses accompanied by their families in the early morning hours. Knowing that the next day might bring the news of a patient's passing was a sobering reality. Yet, I was struck by the strength and compassion of the entire care team. They moved from sorrow to action, driven by a genuine desire to alleviate suffering, embodying ACF's mission of 'honouring the dignity of life.'
My time commuting to the hospice during carpool rides with ACF's doctors and nurses provided opportunities for engaging in conversations. These discussions covered a variety of topics, from the challenges in palliative care in India to LGBTQ+ rights. It was a delightful cultural exchange that deepened my understanding of India's medical system and enriched my overall experience. In the next section, I have tried to summarise my goals, actual outcomes, and learning experiences.
GOAL 1:
I created a ‘healthy living’ campaign providing information and advice on lifestyle changes middle-aged adults can incorporate into their daily routine to set themselves up for healthy aging in their 60s and beyond. I created a 5-part informational poster series in both English and Telugu. The informational posters were disseminated through WhatsApp via the Age Care Foundation’s existing networks and groups. This experience highlighted the importance of tailoring the solution to the context and the power of local NGO networks as my original plan was to share it on Instagram and Facebook. It also emphasized the power of simplicity in campaigns. Ultimately, we achieved our goal of promoting healthy aging through alternative methods that reached the target audience.
GOAL 2:
My second goal was to increase awareness of palliative care among senior citizens, medical students, and nursing students. Initially, we planned to set up a pop-up information stand as an add-on station during the free outpatient clinics. However, based on feedback from the nurses, we changed our approach and focused on organizing an awareness session for members of the Rotary Club in Visakhapatnam. This session centered around advanced care directives and palliative care, using a theater-based presentation. We presented a Telugu play called 'A Tale of Two Friends,' which effectively conveyed information about a recent law on 'Living Will (Advanced Care Directives)' that recognizes the rights of Indian citizens to plan their future medical care under specific circumstances, such as being in a comatose state where they may lack decision-making capacity.
Additionally, I collaborated with the nursing and medical teams at ACF to arrange multiple panel discussions for nursing and medical students, addressing topics related to palliative care and training pathways in palliative medicine. These experiences underscored the power of storytelling as a communication medium and the value of bring together diverse groups for plays and workshops. Furthermore, this journey taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience as I dealt with multiple changes in venue and cancellations of the time-slot allocated for the workshops.
GOAL 3:
Initially, my aim was to improve compliance with medication among elderly residents in old-age homes/ partners of Age Care Foundation. However, logistical challenges led to a change in approach. I created a 5-minute short film on palliative care in a hospice setting titled ‘A Morning of Compassion’ featuring the new Palliative and Geriatric Care Centre. This project allowed me to blend my passion for filmmaking and my love for Indian Classical Music. Using my design skills, I also created aesthetic PowerPoint presentations based on information from a textbook on nursing in palliative care that the Senior Nurse Trainer could use for future training sessions.
Next Steps!?
Regarding future impact and sustainability, I aim to facilitate discussions for capacity building and masterclasses for ACF's nursing staff with my contacts at Trinity College Dublin who are leaders in Dementia care and Palliative care respectively. I will also continue to assist with designing communication and promotional materials whenever I can.