Palliative care refers to the specialist type of care that people living with serious or terminal illnesses receive. Palliative care isn’t the same as end of life care, as palliative care can go on for years, whereas end of life care is designated as the days or weeks when someone is definitely coming to the end of their life. Ultimately, it’s about improving quality of life for our customers who are living with life-limiting illnesses, while ensuring they are happy and comfortable in the home they love.
Traditionally, palliative care was carried out in hospices or nursing homes in Bristol, but more and more people now want to remain in their own home to enjoy the time they have left with family, friends and beloved pets. Helping Hands has been supporting people to remain in their own homes for every type of care since 1989, and thanks to our team of clinical nurses who specially train carers to undertake palliative and end of life care, we really are the palliative care specialists.
When a loved one is coming to the end of their life you want to do all you can to ensure they spend their final days in the home that means the world to them. You also need to know that at such a sad and emotional time, you are going to be supported to cope with their loss at home. Our options for both palliative and end of life care include visiting and live-in services, depending on the support you and your loved one requires and how much support they are receiving from the wider multidisciplinary community team.
Visiting care means that our carers come at pre-arranged intervals throughout the day to ensure that every aspect of your loved one’s care is carried out effectively, in partnership with other healthcare professionals where necessary. Live-in care in Bristol means that you will have a carer with your loved one at all times of the day and night, meaning a reassuring around the clock presence for both them and you. Not only does this mean that they will be on hand to care at any time, it also gives you reassurance and emotional support to better cope with unfolding events.
Palliative care at home will not only benefit you or your loved one physically, it offers emotional support by helping you to remain in the home you love for the rest of your days. It is important to have those difficult conversations with love ones about where you would like to remain as your condition deteriorates, so that they can be sure your final wishes are being carried out when it might not be possible to communicate so easily. Being able to see a view that you’ve always loved, a garden that you planted yourself or precious mementoes of a life well lived can mean everything to someone as they’re coming to the end of their days, and with Helping Hands we’ll ensure that everything remains as calm and dignified as possible.
Our carers are compassionate and empathetic and we specially select them because of their natural caring skills; we also make sure they receive the high levels of training necessary so that they can perfectly look after you or your loved ones at home. In addition, we’re fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, which means you can have the highest confidence in our excellent standards of care.
To find out more about home care in Bristol, talk to our friendly customer care specialists today on 0333 222 8231. They’re available seven days a week for your convenience, or if you prefer, contact us via our website and we’ll happily call you back.