Palliative/end-of-life care

You can receive palliative care at any stage in your illness and it does not mean you will necessarily die soon – some people receive palliative care for years. However, palliative care does include caring for people who are nearing the end-of-life, sometimes referred to as end-of-life care. The approach to delivering care and support is different depending on where you are in your journey.

Palliative care is focused on effectively managing symptoms whilst ensuring you continue to live the life you wish and achieve your personal goals. With end-of-life care the emphasis changes to ensure you are able to end your days as you wish whilst receiving sensitive and dignified personal care and much-needed emotional support, in the place you want avoiding unnecessary hospital admission.

At The Good Care Group we know from our experience of supporting people for over 10 years who are living with a life-limiting illness or terminal diagnosis, how upsetting and distressing it can be for all the family. It is a very emotional time for all involved that requires a sensitive, compassionate and respectful approach. Our high-quality palliative care at home provides effective management of any symptoms a person may be experiencing, whilst supporting their emotional and psychological needs. All in the place they love most – their own home.

We know how valuable a support network is for families whose loved one is at the end-of-life. Compassion is at the forefront of all we do, and we are dedicated to extending this to all the family, providing much-needed reassurance as and when they need it. From the sensitive care provided by our professional carer to the support offered by our management team, we also work closely with other health professionals involved to ensure a smooth and holistic service is provided that offers peace of mind for everyone.

Home is best for palliative care

We know that given the choice 97% of us would choose to receive care in our own home as opposed to move into a nursing or residential home, according to a survey conducted by the live-in care hub. Moving at any time in life in later years can be traumatic and a huge upheaval, but for those who need palliative care the thought of moving into a care home setting or a hospice can only add to the stress and upset they are already likely to be feeling. We know that 70% of the population would like to pass away in the comfort of their own home, but less than a quarter actually do. We are very proud to have enabled 81% of our clients to pass away in the comfort of their own home by providing a specialist pathway for palliative care that avoids admission to hospital for the last days.

Specialist nurse-led care

Importantly for those living with life-threatening illness, we provide nurse-led care which means our professional carers are trained to monitor and identify any changes in your health, responding appropriately and avoiding any unnecessary hospital admissions. As part of our commitment to delivering high quality palliative care at home, we monitor and measure health outcomes to ensure we continually improve the care we provide. When needed, we work with leading nursing companies and other healthcare professionals to ensure any complex medical procedures can be delivered at home. If you need to attend hospital for treatments or therapy, our compassionate carer will accompany you to these visits providing support – just when you need it.

Managing and administering medications

We know how important it is to effectively manage medications for those receiving palliative care. Our professional carers are trained in medications management and use an electronic medications system to ensure all medications are managed proactively and efficiently. They will also collect prescriptions from the pharmacy.

Ensuring safe mobility in and around the home

We work closely with an Occupational Therapist, who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment can help improve safe movement and mobility around your home, whilst providing recommendations as to home adaptations that will make life at home easier and more comfortable.

Companionship as and when you need it

We know how important companionship is for someone nearing the end-of-life – just a listening ear as and when you need it can have very positive effects on wellbeing. We ensure that a perfectly matched, compassionate and sensitive carer understands how you wish to receive your care, ensuring life remains interesting, stimulating and enjoyable. Your carer will be there for you to support your emotional and psychological needs, which we know is so important when receiving palliative care.

Providing discreet and sensitive personal care

This can include the task-orientated aspects of caring for someone, like bathing and getting dressed, but also those that promote self-esteem, like having your nails maintained, or your hair styled.

Planning and cooking meals

We understand the importance of nutrition and hydration for a person nearing the end-of-life. We work to create specialist menu plans that meet these needs, whilst working with a person’s preferences. If you need help to feed yourself our carer is on hand to support, you with this.

Facilitating social arrangements in the home

Your carer will ensure you can see all your friends and family as and when you want to, which we know is so important and will facilitate and welcome any visitors you have.

Trips and visits out of the home in your local community

Our carers know how important it is to ensure you can continue to do as much you wish and that you remain connected to your local community – whether that is a stroll round the local park or visiting friends or those shops you always have.

Domestic tasks

This includes cleaning of all rooms and vacuuming throughout to keep your house to the standards of cleanliness and tidiness you
always have.

Caring for your much-loved pet

Carers will happily support looking after your pet, including taking dogs for regular walks.