CHW38-End of Life and Palliative Care Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
End of Life and Palliative Care Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all residents at {{org_field_name}} receive compassionate, dignified, and person-centred end-of-life and palliative care. Our approach is to enhance the quality of life for residents with life-limiting conditions by providing symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care while respecting their wishes and preferences. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, CIW best practices, and relevant legislation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, nurses, management, and multi-disciplinary professionals involved in palliative and end-of-life care at {{org_field_name}}. It also extends to the families and loved ones of residents, ensuring that they are supported throughout the process.
3. Principles of End-of-Life and Palliative Care
We are committed to delivering end-of-life care based on the following principles:
- Person-Centred Care: Care is tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences, and values.
- Dignity and Respect: Residents are treated with dignity, ensuring their comfort and wishes are respected.
- Holistic Support: Physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs are addressed.
- Collaborative Approach: Multi-disciplinary professionals, families, and advocates work together to provide the best possible care.
- Pain and Symptom Management: Effective pain relief and symptom control are prioritised to enhance the resident’s comfort.
- Advance Care Planning: Residents’ end-of-life care preferences are documented and followed.
- Support for Families and Loved Ones: Bereavement support is provided to relatives and close friends.
4. Advance Care Planning
Planning for end-of-life care is essential to ensure residents’ wishes are known and respected.
- Discussions with Residents and Families: Conversations about preferences, including care settings, medical interventions, and spiritual beliefs, are held as early as appropriate.
- Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) Orders: DNAR decisions are documented and reviewed regularly with the resident and their healthcare provider.
- Power of Attorney and Legal Considerations: Residents are encouraged to appoint a legal representative if necessary.
- Preferred Place of Care: Where possible, we accommodate the resident’s preference for where they wish to receive care (e.g., within the care home, hospital, or hospice).
5. Pain and Symptom Management
Ensuring comfort and minimising distress is a core part of our end-of-life care approach.
- Pain Assessment: Regular pain assessments using recognised tools ensure effective pain management.
- Medication Management: Staff are trained in administering appropriate pain relief and symptom control medication in line with medical prescriptions.
- Non-Pharmacological Support: Complementary therapies such as massage, music therapy, and relaxation techniques may be offered.
- Palliative Care Team Referrals: We work closely with specialist palliative care teams to provide expert support when needed.
6. Emotional and Psychological Support
Emotional well-being is as important as physical care during end-of-life.
- Emotional Support for Residents: Residents receive personalised support to address fears, anxieties, and emotional distress.
- Family and Loved Ones: Families are provided with counselling, guidance, and practical support during this difficult time.
- Bereavement Support: Relatives are offered continued support after a resident’s passing, including signposting to external bereavement counselling services.
7. Spiritual and Cultural Considerations
Respecting religious, spiritual, and cultural needs is a fundamental part of end-of-life care.
- Religious Practices: Residents are supported to engage in religious rituals and ceremonies according to their beliefs.
- Spiritual Care Providers: Chaplains, religious leaders, or spiritual advisers are invited to provide support where requested.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural preferences related to end-of-life care, such as dietary requirements, dress, or burial practices, are respected and facilitated.
8. Involvement of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
A collaborative approach ensures that residents receive the best possible care.
- GP and Medical Professionals: Regular reviews are conducted to manage health conditions and ensure symptom control.
- Specialist Palliative Care Teams: External professionals provide additional support and expertise in managing complex cases.
- Social Workers and Advocacy Services: Assistance is provided with financial, legal, and social concerns.
9. Communication and Documentation
Effective communication and accurate record-keeping are essential for delivering high-quality end-of-life care.
- Clear Communication: Open, honest, and sensitive discussions are held with residents and families.
- Record Keeping: All end-of-life care preferences, DNAR orders, and medical directives are documented and regularly reviewed.
- Handover Procedures: Detailed records ensure seamless transitions in care, including between care home, hospital, and hospice services.
10. Care After Death
Following a resident’s passing, we ensure respectful and compassionate procedures are followed.
- Verification of Death: A qualified medical professional verifies the passing in accordance with legal requirements.
- Family Notification and Support: Families are contacted promptly and provided with immediate emotional support.
- Dignified Handling of the Body: Cultural and religious practices are honoured in the preparation and handling of the body.
- Funeral and Memorial Support: Assistance is provided to families in arranging funeral and memorial services where needed.
11. Training and Staff Development
All staff receive specialised training to ensure the highest standards of end-of-life care.
- Mandatory Training: Staff complete training on palliative care, pain management, and bereavement support.
- Emotional Resilience Training: Staff are supported in dealing with the emotional impact of end-of-life care.
- Ongoing Learning: Continuous professional development opportunities are provided through workshops, seminars, and external training.
12. Compliance and Quality Assurance
To maintain excellence in end-of-life care, we conduct regular evaluations and audits.
- Regular Care Audits: Internal audits assess the effectiveness of end-of-life care provision.
- CIW Compliance: All care practices adhere to CIW regulations and are reviewed in inspections.
- Resident and Family Feedback: Surveys and consultations help us improve the quality of care delivered.
13. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CHW36 – Moving and Handling Policy
- CHW41 – Managing Service User Finances Policy
14. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or organisational needs. Any updates will be communicated to all staff through training sessions and policy briefings.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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