End of Life Care / Hospice Care

End of Life Care

Given a choice, most people would prefer to die in the comfort of their own home surrounded by those they love. End of life care is provided when someone is likely to die from their illness or condition within 12 months. Once an illness is deemed to be terminal by a medical professional, care becomes palliative, with the emphasis being placed on reducing pain before death occurs.

While many patients receive end of life care in a hospital, hospice or a care home, there are many other community services that can support patients and their families who are being cared for at home, at this time.

Palliative or end of life care has certain underlying principles:

• Emphasis is placed on the quality of life
• Care is planned so that both the patient and family are supported before, during and after death
• Care is tailored to individual patient needs

Talk to your GP or District Nurse if you feel that you would benefit from these services. For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/

Hospice Care

Hospice Care is a type of care provided for patients who have a life-limiting or terminal illness, this type of care is available in people's own homes, as an inpatient or in the hospice itself. Hospice care services are provided by a team of professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, counsellors and trained volunteers and offers a range of services such as controlling pain, psychological and social support, rehabilitation, complementary therapies, financial advice and bereavement care.

Hospice care is free and is paid via a combination of NHS funding, public funding, public donations, legacies left in wills and some hospices run their own lottery. Your GP or hospital usually refers you to hospice care, however you can also contact a hospice directly yourself but the hospice will also contact your GP to make sure that support is appropriate.