End of life care is support for people who are approaching death. It helps them to live the last months and weeks of their life with dignity, up until they pass away.
It also includes support for family, friends or carers who may need support after the person has died.
The NHS website has a guide for people who are facing life-limiting illnesses.
It includes information for people who are caring for someone that is dying and for people who want to plan for their own end of life care.
For someone who is is approaching end of life and finding it difficult to manage independently, contact us for an assessment of needs. We may also be able to help the needs of informal carers.
Social workers and care assessors will talk with the person about what care is needed and how this can be provided. When discussing plans, they will take into account their personal preferences, including any Advanced Care plans or decisions. They will check if a referral for a Continuing Healthcare assessment is required and can discuss options for managing finances. If they do arrange care, care providers will have to demonstrate a commitment to good standards of end of life care, whether care is provided in sheltered accommodation or in a care home.
The NHS or charities, such as MacMillan, provide specialist services for those in need of care, comfort and support when someone is approaching the end of their life are mainly provided through End of life or palliative care specialists work in hospitals, hospices and in the community.
For advanced illness, hospice care is available to people following a referral. St Luke’s Hospice, Kenton Grange, Kenton Road currently works with Brent residents (including carers).
Other local hospice providers are:
A sense of loss may be felt while approaching the end of life as well as after the person has died. Talking about this can be difficult for many reasons, but it can help to lessen the feelings you have.
Dealing with loss is about managing your emotions, while also sorting out the practicalities that have to be taken care of when someone dies.
Hospice services will work with families and offer some bereavement support to the families they work with.
You can also get support by appointment from the Brent Bereavement Service based at the Dollis Hill Medical Centre, or you can talk to your GP who may make a referral for bereavement support.
Hospice UK has more information on 'what to expect when someone close to you is dying’.
LifeBook is a free booklet where you can write important and useful information about your life. LifeBook not only helps you to be more organised but could be invaluable to a family member or a friend if they need to find important information about you in an emergency.
Find out more and order a copy of the LifeBook booklet on the Age UK website.