New guidance for care homes on end of life care

Care home managers are to be targeted with new guidance detailing how to improve end of life care for residents.

The NHS end of Life Care Programme, in partnership with the National Council for Palliative Care, has produced a guide to help care homes to ensure residents’ physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs are met at this important time.

Professor Ian Philp, national director for older people, said: “One in five of all deaths take place in a care home and from time to time staff in care homes will be involved in the care of the dying.”

“We need to manage needs effectively at the end of life. This is important for the person themselves, the loved ones they leave behind and those who provide care at this important stage,” he added.

The guide provides advice on the services available to help support the choice of residents as they approach the end of life. It also has information on best practice.

Martin Green, chief executive of the English Community Care Association, said: “We are pleased that end of life in care homes is receiving greater attention and there is finally recognition that many people end their lives in care homes. This introductory guide will be a useful resource.”

Guide from www.endoflifecare.nhs.uk