When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, they may require palliative or end of life care. But what does that mean? In this blog we will explore what is meant by end of life care and what care options are available to you and your loved one.
When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, they may require palliative or end of life care. But what does that mean? In this blog we will go through exactly what end of life care is, what sorts of conditions may require end of life care, who is right for you to provide that care.
So what is end of life care?
End of life care is the support given to someone who is in the final months, weeks or days of their life. It focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life, rather than curing an illness. This type of care aims to manage pain and other symptoms, provide emotional and psychological support, and respect the person’s wishes and values. End of life care can be provided at home, in a care home, hospice or hospital, and also supports family and loved ones during this time and after death.
Sometimes people use the term “palliative care” when describing end of life care. They are similar terms, but there is an important distinction between them.
Palliative care is a broad approach to care that focuses on improving quality of life for people with serious or long-term illnesses. It can be provided at any stage of an illness, alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments. The aim is to manage symptoms such as pain, breathlessness or anxiety, and to offer emotional, psychological and practical support to both the person and their family.
End of life care is a specific part of palliative care. It refers to the care given when someone is thought to be in the last months, weeks or days of their life, when treatment is no longer aimed at curing the illness. The focus is on comfort, dignity, symptom control and respecting the individual’s wishes, as well as supporting their family before and after death.
What conditions might require end of life care?
Palliative care is a flexible and wide-ranging approach that supports people living with serious illness. It is not limited to any one condition and can be especially helpful for those dealing with complex symptoms, ongoing pain, or a noticeable decline in their overall quality of life.
Some of the common conditions that people may require end of life care for are advanced cancers, heart issues such as congestive heart failure or end stage heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), advanced kidney disease, neurological disorders, strokes and much more. There are no rules as to what conditions are allowed to receive end of life care. If your loved one is sadly at the end of their life, with a limited amount of time left, they are able to receive end of life care no matter the condition they have.
What does end of life care look like?
End of life care can look different for each individual receiving it, depending on what conditions they have, what medications they require and what support they need. Generally, though, the following is what end of life care typically includes:
Pain and symptom management: Expert support to carefully manage pain and other distressing symptoms, helping to keep your loved one comfortable and at ease.
Personal care: Compassionate support with everyday personal care, including washing, dressing and grooming, delivered in a way that preserves comfort, dignity and respect.
Medication management: Ensuring medications are taken on time and prescriptions are available when needed.
Cooking and hydration: Providing thoughtfully prepared meals and drinks that suit your loved one’s dietary needs and personal preferences, helping them stay nourished and hydrated.
Emotional and psychological support: Offering companionship, empathy and emotional reassurance to support your loved one through the emotional and psychological challenges that can come with serious illness.
Mobility support: Helping with mobility and positioning to keep your loved one comfortable and reduce the risk of issues like pressure sores.
Family support: Providing emotional support to family members, guiding you through this difficult time with care, empathy and understanding.
Who provides end of life care?
There are lots of ways end of life care is provided. In the UK, depending on your loved ones needs, preferences and medical conditions, the main ways it is delivered include:
Home care - Such as live-in care and domiciliary care providers
Hospices
Hospitals
Care homes
End of life care in the UK is usually multidisciplinary, involving doctors, nurses, social workers, carers, and sometimes chaplains or counsellors, all working together to ensure the person’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Families are supported throughout the process, including after their loved one has passed away.
Why live-in care or nursing might be the best option for your loved one.
Live-in care and nursing offer continuous, personalised support in the familiar surroundings of home. Unlike hospital or care home settings, live-in care ensures that your loved one has one-to-one support around the clock, which allows for:
Consistent symptom management: Pain, nausea, and other distressing symptoms can be monitored and managed immediately by carers or nurses. It is important to note that with more serious conditions that require more medical intervention, a live-in nurse can administer medications and seamlessly coordinate with other healthcare professionals who might be involved in your loved one's care. A live-in carer is more restricted when supporting with medications and more complex medical needs.
Familiar surroundings: Being at home among personal belongings and memories can provide comfort and reduce stress.
Personalised emotional support: A dedicated carer can offer companionship, reassurance, and emotional care tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Support for family: Family members can focus on spending quality time together, with guidance and relief provided by the carer or nurse.
Dignity and independence: Care routines are adapted to the individual, helping them maintain as much independence and dignity as possible.
End of life care is about providing compassionate, personalised support when it matters most, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It includes managing pain and other symptoms, offering emotional support, and helping families navigate this challenging time - all in a setting that suits your loved one, whether at home, in a hospice, hospital, or care home.
If you’d like to find out how our experienced live-in care and nursing teams can support your loved one, contact us today for free no-obligation advice.
Live-in care
Careadvisorteam@consultuscare.com
01732 355231
Live-in nursing
01732 770 403
Claire joined Consultus in December 2024, bringing four years of marketing expertise in brand development, content creation, and communications. A Media Practice BA (Hons) graduate from the University of Sussex, Claire develops engaging digital content and print assets to enhance Consultus Care's communications.
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