During end of life care our goal as care providers is to treat the person, not the illness, and our focus is on providing the best care possible for them to ensure they are comfortable and able to enjoy excellent quality of life for as long as they can. The care professionals within our Future Care Group homes achieve this by meticulous end-of-life care planning and by ensuring the individual is both physically and mentally at ease. Once a resident transitions into the final stage of their palliative care, it often helps the individual and their loved ones to understand the timelines, stages and symptoms of the end-of-life stages that lay ahead of them. It helps them to assess where they are in their journey and what to expect.
If you notice your loved one losing their appetite, sleeping more, withdrawing from others, or feeling restless, don’t panic. These changes are all part of the natural process as someone approaches the end-of-life. Each person’s journey is unique, so the pace and intensity at which they experience these symptoms may vary. While the timeline provided here might not align precisely with your or your loved one’s experience, it serves as a helpful guide to understand what to expect. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, our professional and experienced care team will guide you through every step of the way with the dignity, compassion, and empathy you deserve.
Transitioning from palliative to end-of-life care involves recognising the tell-tale signs and symptoms that indicate the individual is entering the final stages of life. Whilst the experience is unique to everyone, there are many shared common indicators that a person is transitioning and actively dying. These include:
It’s important to note that not all individuals will experience all these signs, and the progression of symptoms can vary from person to person. Additionally, the timing and duration of the transition phase can vary, so it’s essential to provide individualised care and support based on the person’s needs and preferences. Collaborating closely with the entire healthcare team, including those within our home, as well as those in the community such as local hospices, can help ensure that the individual receives appropriate care and support during this challenging time.
As a person approaches the end of life, their symptoms may change and become more pronounced. Here’s a general outline of what symptoms someone might experience during each of the stages
During this time, it’s important for loved ones and caregivers to provide comfort and reassurance, as well as to ensure that the individual is as comfortable as possible. Palliative care measures can be continued to manage any distressing symptoms and provide support to both the individual and their loved ones.
It’s important to note that not all individuals will experience all these symptoms, and the progression of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, these symptoms can be managed and alleviated to some extent through palliative care and symptom management interventions.
As you near the end of your life, you can choose where you want to receive care—whether it’s in a hospice, hospital, or our care homes. No matter your choice, our main goal is to ensure you and your family feel supported and comfortable. If you stay with us, we’re fully committed to providing caring end-of-life support. This includes help with managing pain, controlling symptoms, and offering emotional support, as well as involving your family in the process.
We understand that planning ahead while you’re with us can make things smoother, easing any worries and keeping your needs front and centre.
Even after you’ve passed away, we continue to honour your wishes. For example, if you prefer not to be left alone until you leave our care, we’ll make sure a member of our team stays with your body. This practice is actually quite common in our homes, whether you’ve asked for it or not. Our caregivers often form close bonds with the residents they look after, and they frequently spend time with them after they’ve passed away. They reminisce, offer comfort, and pay their last respects to their friend.
Our support doesn’t stop with you. We’re here for your family, friends, and caregivers after you pass away. Even if we can’t be there in person, we’ll give them the tools and information they need to cope with their grief. Everyone grieves differently, so we tailor our support to fit each person’s needs.
Our team talks privately about the care you received and if it met your needs and our goals. If not, we figure out upon what we can improve. It’s important to support our staff too – they spend a lot of time caring for you and building strong relationships. By reflecting on their experiences and learning from them, we can improve how we provide care.
If you would like to book a visit and see our expert team in action and get a feel for our warm and welcoming home-from-home environment, we would be delighted to meet you and show you around. For more information on our end-of-life care provision please click here.
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