End of life care supports a person in their final years or months.
The aim of end of life care is to provide high-quality care to assist an individual go peacefully with dignity, respecting their wishes and preference. It also should help loved ones during a difficult time.
End of life care can be provided at home, in hospital, in a hospice or a care home.
Is palltive care and end of life care the same thing?
End of life care usually means an individual is within 12 months towards the end of their life. However, of course these things are very difficult to predict.
Whereas end of life care is seen as a form of palliative care, however palliative is usually support when an individual suffers from a long term illness that cannot be cured.
How many professionals are involved in end of life care?
If the individual desires to stray at home then their GP has the responsibility for their care. Besides social care staff, there are many other different people that can be involved in end of life care, such as district nurses, hospital doctors and nurses, chaplains of all faith.
You can also visit centres during the day to receive care and treatment.
What happens during end of life care?
During the planning for end of life care, a personalised care plan should be created taking into consideration of the desires of the client, their personally preferred treatments and pain management. It ought to focus on their comfort and keep their dignity in mind.
According the the NHS, there are five priorities for end of life care;
- An individual ought to be visited regularly by their GP if they decide to stay within their home. When the time comes where the GP believes the end is near, they just discuss that with the patient and their chosen loved ones.
- All conversations with professionals ought to be sensitive and honest.
- Individuals or their loved ones have the choice to how they are treated and cared for.
- The needs of loved ones close to the client/patient are met as closely as possible
- A personalised care plan of choice should be delivered compassionately.
Support can also be provided to loved ones, to help them get through a tough time either with community support groups or advice.
How is end of life care funded?
The NHS can arrange funding towards end of life care.
