Last Christmas, we began supporting a lady nearing her 100th birthday who was deeply grieving her husband and had lost her will to live. Once a food lover, she lost her appetite, became bed-bound, and her GP determined she was at the end of life, withdrawing all medications. Despite this prognosis, we aimed to make her final days meaningful. We celebrated her birthday with a memory book, sparking joy in her. Although she initially only accepted Ensure drinks, she soon craved more flavourful foods. We carefully reintroduced soft, favourite foods like scrambled eggs and crustless sandwiches, ensuring she was safe and comfortable.
Our attentive, personalised care, combined with close monitoring and collaboration with her family and medical team, led to a remarkable transformation. Now, as she approaches her 101st birthday, she enjoys bacon and eggs for breakfast, her skin remains healthy, and she has never developed pressure sores. Our approach emphasises the profound impact of compassionate, individualised care, demonstrating that even those in their final days can experience joy, comfort, and improved wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
End of life home care provides essential support for individuals and their families during the final stages of life. It prioritises comfort, dignity, and quality of life, enabling individuals to live their remaining days according to their preferences. This approach aims to alleviate physical and emotional discomfort, ensuring that individuals can make decisions about their care and surroundings. Ultimately, end of life care at home empowers individuals to live their lives as they wish, surrounded by the love and support of their families and caregivers.
We are committed to providing person-centric care, so people can live and die with dignity in their own homes and on their own terms. We will therefore take the time to truly understand your – or your loved one’s - emotional, cultural and spiritual needs, beliefs and preferences. This information will inform our treatment recommendations, and help ensure the service we deliver is respectful and appropriate.
Although some care decisions will be difficult to make, our kind and skilled Wellbeing Support Workers will make sure that all discussions are handled with tact and sensitivity. And, as a private care provider with a unique working model, we can respond quickly as circumstances and needs change – something that’s invaluable in end of life support, where requirements can swiftly shift.