What is end of life care?

When doctors mention the need for end of life care, many families are left feeling uncertain. What exactly does it mean? End of life care is a type of support provided to people who are in the final stages of a terminal illness or condition. The goal is to ensure that the person is comfortable, cared for, and supported during their remaining time.

This kind of care not only focuses on physical symptoms but also includes emotional, spiritual, and practical support for both the patient and their family. Whether you're just beginning to understand what end of life care involves or actively looking for ways to arrange it, this guide will help you gain a clearer picture.

What does end of life care include?

End of life care encompasses a range of care services aimed at making the final stages of life as comfortable and peaceful as possible. This care is tailored to your loved one’s specific needs and preferences and often includes:

• Symptom relief: Managing physical discomforts like pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing. The focus is on symptom control to ensure the person is comfortable.
• Emotional and psychological support: Both the patient and their loved ones often need help coping with feelings of fear, sadness, or anxiety. Counsellors and support teams provide this essential aid.
• Spiritual support: Regardless of faith or belief, many people seek spiritual or psychological support during the end of life. This can be provided by a chaplain or spiritual adviser, offering comfort to both the individual and their family.
• Practical support: Assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or feeding, whether at home or in a care home, can help ease the burden on family members and maintain the dignity of the person receiving care.

An end of life care strategy includes planning for final wishes. An advanced care plan helps a person express their treatment preferences and any care they wish to avoid.

Who is end of life care for?

End of life care is provided to those with a terminal illness or life-limiting condition. This can include conditions such as:

• Advanced cancer
• Motor neurone disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart failure
• Lung disease

People approaching the end of life are often identified as being in the final 12 months of life, though it can be difficult to predict this timeline accurately.  However, end of life care isn’t only for those with long-term conditions. Those experiencing a sudden decline due to an accident, stroke, or other catastrophic event may also need this type of care. Older people with general frailty or those at risk of sudden health changes can also benefit from palliative care services.

Who provides end of life care?

A range of health care professionals and social care professionals can be involved in end of life care. The specific people involved depend on the person’s needs and where they choose to receive care. Care settings include homes, hospitals, hospices, and care homes. Here’s a look at the different professionals who might be involved:

• GPs and community nurses: If someone opts for care at home or in a care home, the GP will have overall responsibility. Community nurses will visit to provide regular assessments and support.
• Palliative care teams: These specialist teams, which include doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, focus on improving the quality of life for those with serious illnesses. The palliative care team manages physical symptoms and provides emotional support. In some cases, specialist palliative care teams may be needed to address complex health needs.
• Hospice staff: Hospices are often involved in providing care for those in the later stages of a terminal illness. Hospice care focuses on symptom control and ensuring the person is comfortable in a calm environment.
• Social care staff: Social care professionals provide practical and financial support and may assist with arranging care in the home or at a facility.

Depending on the person’s wishes, family members are often closely involved in their care. In addition to professional support, friends and loved ones can assist with daily tasks, providing comfort during this important time. Guidelines for caring for adults who are dying have been released by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

How is end of life care planned and funded?

Planning for end of life care can be a difficult but essential step. A care plan is developed with the help of healthcare professionals and includes details about where the person wishes to receive care, how they want their symptoms managed, and who they’d like involved in their care.

One aspect of planning involves advance directives and advance care planning, where the person outlines their preferences for treatment. This can help loved ones and professionals make decisions that align with the person’s wishes.

In the UK, care services can be provided through various funding mechanisms. Some people may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, which covers the cost of care either in a care home or at home. For those who meet specific criteria—such as having a rapidly deteriorating condition—this care may be fast-tracked. Funding also comes from charitable donations, especially in hospices, where only part of the care is covered by the NHS.

Conclusion

End of life care is care that helps someone with a terminal illness to live their final months, weeks or days in comfort, peace and dignity. Whether you are planning for your care in the future, or are already caring for someone who is dying, it’s helpful to understand what end of life care provides and who can provide it. End of life care can help to address the wide range of needs that a person can have, from the relief of symptoms to spiritual support to assistance with basic tasks.

While this might seem like a daunting task, there are people who can help you make arrangements. Talk to your GP or community nurses to devise an individualised end of life care plan: all these steps can be taken, so that the person gets the care they need. Once the plan is in place and you know your options for funding, that person can be cared for at home, in a care home or in a hospital setting.

This way you can possible for what’s to come, and make decisions about care that will put the person in your care in the best possible situation as their end of life approaches. If you need compassionate and personalised end of life care in London, Tiggo Care is here to support you and your loved ones. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find out how our dedicated team can help provide the highest quality care during this important time.