End of Life Care
What is end of life care?
End of life care is the final stage of palliative care when someone is close to the end of their life, which may be weeks, days or hours. Each of our residents, with their families, will have the opportunity to plan their journey for their final days with our experienced staff to ensure that their end of life plan is fulfilled and they pass with dignity and respect.
Why consider end of life care in a care home?
Specialist end of life carers
Our experienced staff work in a close knit team with GPs, specialist nurses, the rapid response team and other supporting agencies and families to ensure the care provided fully meets and respects each resident’s needs and wishes.
All of our staff receive training in end of life care, and each of our homes has a dedicated ‘end of life care’ lead coordinator to ensure care and residents wishes are carried out compassionately and respectfully. Our care wraps around friends and family to offer support through this difficult time.
More quality time with loved ones
Caring for a loved one during their final stages of life can feel extremely difficult, both mentally and physically. By choosing to plan for end of life care in a care home, our specially trained carers and nurses take the pressure of physical and medical care off your shoulders.
This allows you to just be there and spend quality time with your loved one in their final days. With the comfort and security of knowing all of their needs are being taken care of by specialists, you can focus all of your energy and attention on your loved one.
Dedicated end of life care suite
The Fairhaven Suite at St Faith’s offers specialist end of life care with a dedicated space for extra privacy. Separate from the main nursing home, it offers privacy for adults wanting to receive palliative care for their final days, weeks or months. There are nine spacious suites, each with an ensuite wet room.
The Fairhaven Suite has grown out of the experience and expertise of the St Faith’s nursing team who have guided the design. A key part is the support, space and facilities it offers to families and friends, enabling them to spend quality time with their loved ones.
End of life care and support at Lilian Faithfull
Advanced Care Planning
In every home each resident, with their families, will have the opportunity to consider and discuss their wishes and thoughts about their final days with our staff, through the preparation of their ‘Advanced Care Plan’.
What is an advanced care plan?
An advanced care plan describes what someone wants to happen, what they don’t want to happen, and who will speak for them if they are unable to do so.
It guides our staff, and everyone involved in that person’s care, in making decisions about their medical condition. It also ensures that spiritual beliefs are respected and that personal preferences, both before and after their death, can be followed.
For further information talk to the home managers and look out for our end of life care leaflets available in the home.
What are the signs of end of life in elderly people?
Care teams monitor residents closely using recognised clinical observation tools. Changes in breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels and general condition are reviewed, and the team works closely with GPs and district nurses to determine when someone may be approaching end of life. Families are kept informed and supported throughout, so you are never facing this difficult time alone.
How long is end of life care?
There is no fixed timeframe. End of life care can last days, weeks, or longer, depending on the individual. We understand this uncertainty can be difficult for families, and we are here to support you throughout, whatever the timescale may be. Residents remain in care for as long as they need.
What is the difference between palliative care and end of life care?
Palliative care supports people living with serious or life-limiting conditions where treatment is no longer curative. Someone may receive palliative care for months or even years. End of life care refers to care in the final stage of life, when a person is thought to be in their last months or weeks.
Can families stay with their loved one during end of life care?
Yes. Families are encouraged to stay with their loved one. Some nursing homes have dedicated suites with facilities such as kitchens and lounges. Where needed, rooms can also be arranged to accommodate family members. We do everything we can to make sure that you can be together with your loved one during this important time.
End of life care reviews
When my father was discharged from hospital into the care of staff at Resthaven he was in a very frail state…. But from the moment he arrived, the staff cared for him with great kindness and compassion. He was treated with real dignity in his final hours, as he died the following day. The family was with him and the staff were just as kind to us, always ensuring we had refreshments and were comfortable. We all wished my father had longer in their exceptional care.
Resthaven, Febuary 2020