Care at the end of life
Examples of Support
Anticipatory care planning
Reviewing living wills
Managing risks around swallowing and maintaining good nutrition
Managing oral health
Maintaining communication
Recognising and addressing pain and distress
Recognising and addressing depression/anxiety
Assessment for specialist equipment (e.g. seating, wheelchairs)
Ensuring emotional support for families & recognising their expert knowledge of the client
Spiritual needs of person/family
Finding appropriate setting in line with client choice
Key Services and People
Scottish Huntington’s Association Youth Project (SHAYP)/Specialist Youth Advisors
Speech & Language Therapy
Dietetics
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy ( 03451 55 15 03 or sw.contactctr@fife.gov.uk )
Clinical psychology/neuropsychology
District Nursing
Faith based organisations (see Fife Interfaith Group, Interfaith Scotland – Fife, Chaplaincy Services)
Pharmacy
Integrated Multi Agency Arrangements, Referral Pathways and Resources
End of life care provided via hospitals, care homes or hospitals at home services
GPs are aware and involved in end of life care and act as the Responsible Medical Officer when appropriate.
Relevant faith organisations are involved, in line with client’s belief system and with their consent
GP to ensure that the Key Information Summary (KIS) is updated following any significant change or clinical deterioration to enable relevant clinical information to be shared with health professionals providing care during the out of hours period.
Standards
End of life care is consistent with the Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative Care and End of Life Care, Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief , National DNACPR Policy, GMC Guidance on End of Life Care, Developing Scottish Government Policy on Funeral Poverty