Although discussing death and dying is something many people shy away from, our nursing homes recognise the importance of encouraging residents, together with their families, to talk about and plan for the care they wish to receive as they approach the end of their lives.
Dying Matters Awareness Week gives our homes the opportunity to make sure residents’ end of life care needs and specific wishes are reflected in their care plans – whether that means including details for the first time for new residents or giving the opportunity to update and revise existing plans for residents who have already shared their views.
Although our nursing homes focus on ensuring residents are able to continue to live their best lives, we also acknowledge that planning ahead for end of life care is a crucial part of delivering good care.
Having written plans ensures continuity of care and makes sure there is no doubt about each resident’s needs and wishes at the end of their lives, supporting them to die as comfortably as possible and with dignity.
Both Holy Cross in Sunderland and St Catherine’s in Newcastle are proud to hold the national Gold Standard Framework Accreditation which is awarded for achieving the highest standards of quality care, including end of life care.
Throughout Dying Matters Awareness Week, staff teams will take part in refresher training to ensure Gold Standard Framework values remain fully embedded in their day-to-day work.
“Death, dying and bereavement affect us all,” said Director of Nursing Homes, Gill Ennis. “Dying Matters Awareness Week highlights how important it is to talk about these subjects to overcome the stigma attached to dying and make our dying wishes known. We will continue to work regularly with residents and their families to ensure our quality care always extends right through to the final days of those in our care.”
