My Health, My Care, My Home - healthcare framework for adults living in care homes: easy read

Palliative and end of life care

Palliative care supports people to have a good quality of life when they have serious health conditions that will not get better.

End of life care is an important part of palliative care which looks at the needs of people who are close to dying.

Health and Social Care Partnerships must make sure that advice and support from primary care and specialist palliative care services is easy to get.

It is very important that families and friends are kept informed, involved and supported as their loved one comes to the end of their life.

Recommendations - what we want to see happen

• care homes should find ways to:
  • help identify people who may need palliative care
  • support the person as their health needs change
• make sure people living with dementia get the care and treatment they need
• anticipatory care plans should be reviewed as people are nearing the end of life
• care home providers should plan their staff's learning and development when working in palliative and end of life care

• care home staff and specialist palliative care teams should work together and share information
• the GP and members of the multidisciplinary team should be available to support the care home staff with end of life care and speak with relatives when needed

• there should be a specialist palliative care service that is easily accessible to the multidisciplinary team
• all Health and Social Care Partnerships should have palliative care phone lines, giving quick access to community nursing and medical staff
• staff should be able to get quick access to appropriate medication and equipment
• Scotland's bereavement charter should be used by staff working in and with care homes

It guides the support that is offered to those who are bereaved.