Dying at home – caring for palliative patients
“I encourage patients and their families to make plans and create memories.”
For most of us, death and dying is a topic that can be too difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. At Team BCHC, we aim to provide a personalised care plan for our palliative patients, ensuring that their final moments are as comfortable as they can be.
Palliative or end of life care is an approach that improves the quality of life of a person with a life limiting/terminal illness. Many people may not be aware, but as well as inpatient care, BCHC offers a valuable community palliative care service, meaning people can have the option to die at home with their loved ones, in a familiar environment to them.
Following a referral from a healthcare professional like a GP, our community nurses will provide holistic support to patients aged 18 and above, with guidance from clinical practitioners in palliative care. Based across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, the service not only supports the patient in their own home, but it also offers the chance to involve the patient’s family in their care too.
Community nurse visits vary from once a month all the way up to daily visits depending on the patient’s needs. They address the physical, emotional, psychological, social, religious and spiritual requirements for each patient. Offering a 24-hour service, seven days a week, the team will aim to attend to a patient within two hours of them calling to support with symptom management.
As uncertain as death can be, providing a tailored end of life care plan can make the experience as peaceful as possible. Our teams also provide aftercare for the bereaved family, signposting them to our Trust’s Bereavement service and chaplaincy.
Commenting on her time working in palliative care, Kirsty Hodson, District Nurse Specialist Practitioner (East) shared:
“Palliative care can be incredibly challenging and fulfilling and makes me appreciate how life can change in an instant, don’t take things for granted and hug your loved ones more. I encourage patients and their families to make plans and create memories.”
BCHC works in collaboration with local hospices Marie Curie (Solihull), Birmingham Hospice (Selly Park and Erdington) and St Giles. Community nurses also work alongside the Trust’s Respiratory team, Heart Failure team, Motor Neuron’s Disease and Parkinson's team to support with long-term conditions, ensuring support is always offered.