End-of-life care at home
Choosing where you pass away when you have a life-limiting illness is a very important decision. For some, they may choose to pass away in hospital or at a hospice, but for others, passing away at home where they feel safe and comfortable is the preferred option.
End-of-life care from Helping Hands aims to support someone in their own home who is in the final weeks and days of their life. Having the familiarity of their own belongings, pets, loved ones and routines can provide great comfort to someone in the later stages of their life, allowing them to die peacefully at home.
Contact our friendly advisors to discuss yours or a loved ones’ end-of-life care needs and to arrange a meeting with a local care manager.
Request a callback Email usFind out how end-of-life care at home could benefit you
Simple things, like being in close proximity to family members or enjoying the familiar smells and sounds of your own home can make a real difference to someone’s mental wellbeing in the last few days of their life. Being at home also allows someone to have the privacy and comfort they desire during quite an upsetting time, particularly if they have specific equipment for their healthcare needs or routines that they want to maintain, such as watering their plants and sitting in their garden.
Home care can settle some of the anxieties and worries that both the individual and their loved ones may have because it removes the element of not being in a familiar environment that may occur if choosing to pass away in a hospice or hospital.
When arranging care at home, a care manager will meet with you at home for an initial assessment to discuss your health and emotional needs in detail. This then forms your support plan which is created entirely around you and your preferences. Most people who are starting end-of-life care choose to have those involved in their wellbeing and care right up until the end and beyond present at their initial assessment. Although your support plan is tailored around your requirements and wishes, it can help to have others present as they can be made fully aware of your decisions and ensure they are carried out in the way you want them to.
What to expect from end-of-life care
End-of-life care is a very personal type of care that is delivered to those in their final days and weeks of their life. At Helping Hands, we always keep in mind how sensitive this time is for both the individual and their loved ones, offering practical and emotional support to all of you.
We have many carers and care managers who have extensive experience with end-of-life care and who understand the intricacies and sensitivities during this time. They will work with you to arrange care to suit your needs and preferences, so that you can rest assured everything is taken care of before, during and after you have passed away.
As well as receiving a comprehensive support plan containing information such as your health needs, medication, personal care and final wishes, we will also support you with doing the things that you want to do, such as cooking your preferred meals, watching your favourite TV programmes or movies, getting some fresh air when you feel well enough and supporting your decisions when having visitors over to see you. Everything is led by you so that you are able to live in the comfortable and dignified manner that you choose.
Our dedicated carers will be with you whenever you need them – for the weeks and days before your passing, your last moments and even after you have passed away – providing person-centred care that’s created entirely around you. We will also be there for your family and loved ones, providing support to them even after you have passed away, such as helping with the housework or supporting your spouse who may need care too.
Arranging end-of-life care
If you would like to arrange end-of-life care for you or on behalf of a loved one, follow our simple steps below:
Step 1: Speak to our friendly customer advisors
You can call our dedicated customer advisors on 03300376958 or send us a message to request a call back. They will discuss your care needs and arrange a home care assessment with a local care manager.
Step 2: A home care assessment
A local care manager will visit you and your family at home to discuss your requirements in detail. If you have nursing care needs, they may be accompanied by the regional clinical lead, who specialises in supporting those with complex clinical needs . This will be the opportunity for you to share your wishes and preferences for end-of-life care with everyone involved in your support.
Step 3: Matching you with a carer
We’ll help to match you with the ideal carers for you, providing you with a selection to choose from that meet your preferences and have the necessary skills for end-of-life care.
Step 4: A person-centred care package
Your carer(s) will begin supporting you at home, whether you have a live-in carer residing with you or visiting carers that support you throughout the day. Your care manager will be on hand to support both you and your carers every step of the way.
Other people are interested in...
Page reviewed by Carole Kerton-Church, Regional Clinical Lead on November 8, 2021