What is end-of-life care?
End-of-life care is a type of care designed specifically to meet the needs of people in the final months, weeks and days of their life. It focuses on providing comfort and dignity while they come to terms with their illness and supporting them to live as well as possible until they die. End-of-life care includes physical, psychological, social, spiritual and practical support for people who are near the end of their life and for those close to them. It may include pain relief, symptom management and holistic therapies, in addition to the provision of emotional and psychosocial support.
At its core, end-of-life care seeks to ensure that a person has a peaceful and dignified death and that families and carers have the necessary support both during and after the death. The aim of end-of-life care is to provide people with the best quality of life in their last months, weeks and days, regardless of their prognosis or diagnosis.
What are the key principles of palliative and end-of-life care?
Palliative and end-of-life care is not just about providing medical treatment. Rather, it is also about providing physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual care and support.
The key principles of palliative and end-of-life care are:
• Respect and dignity: People at the end of their lives should always be treated with respect and dignity.
• Choice and control: People should be enabled to make decisions about their care and how and where they spend their last weeks and days.
• Compassion and care: High-quality care and support should be provided by health and social care practitioners who understand the unique needs of people at the end of their lives.
• Family involvement: Family members and other significant people in a person’s life should be fully involved in the care and decision-making process.
• Holistic approach: Palliative and end-of-life care should be tailored to the individual, taking into account all aspects of their life, including psychological, physical, spiritual and social needs.
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Get a QuoteWhen does end-of-life care begin?
End-of-life care can start when it is clear that someone is dying. This can be due to a terminal illness or an advanced age. It is important to talk to a doctor or nurse and discuss the options available so that everyone is clear on the prognosis and what will happen next.
In some cases, it may be helpful to plan ahead and think about preferences and wishes, such as where the person wants to be cared for, what kind of medical interventions they are comfortable with, or if they want to be an organ donor.
What palliative care services can you receive at home?
Homecare providers can offer a range of palliative care services to help people in their own homes as well as respite care or short breaks for family and carers. Examples of these services include symptom management, pain relief, assistance with personal care, help with mobility, nutrition and hydration support, and psychological and spiritual support.
Carers can also provide respite care, allowing family members or carers a break from caring, as well as companionship, meals and practical support. Homecare providers can help to manage any complex medications and monitor any changes in a person’s condition, as well as provide bereavement counselling and other support.
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care services are provided by a team of healthcare professionals which can include doctors, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and spiritual carers. The team works together to provide a coordinated and tailored care plan to meet the individual’s needs.
In the home, palliative care is usually provided by a team of home care workers, such as care workers, nurses, social workers and spiritual carers. The home care provider will work closely with the patient, their family and the other members of the end-of-life care team to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Palliative home care provides comfort and dignity in end-of-life care, giving people the opportunity to remain in their own homes and have access to the care and support they need. With the right level of care, people can spend their last months, weeks and days in peace and with dignity.
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