Full Description
In our society, the overwhelming majority of people die in later life. They typically die slowly of chronic diseases, with multiple co-existing problems over long periods of time. They spend the majority of their final years at home, but many will die in hospitals or care homes. This book explores the possibilities for improving the care of older people dying in residential care and nursing homes. It argues that there are aspects of palliative care that, given the right circumstances, are transferable to dying people in settings that are not domestic or hospice based.
End of Life in Care Homes describes what happens in nursing and residential care homes when a resident is dying, how carers cope, and the practical, health and emotional challenges that carers face on top of their day-to-day work. Based on detailed research from both the UK and US, the book shows how the situation can be improved.
Contents
1. Introduction ; 2. The development of residential and nursing home care in the United Kingdom ; 3. Who dies in care homes for older people? ; 4. Managing dying residents ; 5. Dealing with death ; 6. The needs of relatives and other residents when a death occurs ; 7. The role of external health workers ; 8. The training needs of carers ; 9. Practical applications of the principles and practices of palliative care to the residential sector ; 10. Dying in long-term care facilities in the United States ; 11. Issues for palliative care in nursing and residential homes ; 12. End of life in care homes
