End of Life and Palliative Care

At CareMatch, we understand that end of life care is hugely personal and a Care Receiver’s needs depend massively on their physical and mental condition, their surroundings and the people they have around them. We believe that people should spend their last few months living as comfortably as possible, and deserve the highest quality care so that their wishes are respected and they can die with dignity. Many patients who are nearing the end of their life feel more comfortable receiving care at home so that they’re not separated from family, friends and their familiar surroundings. End of life care includes palliative care, where a Care Receiver is made as comfortable as possible, if they have a worsening, incurable condition or illness, through things like pain management. At CareMatch, our specialist end of life Carer Members understand that this type of care requires heightened sensitivity and will communicate with you openly and honestly. Care Receivers and their Care Hub (including Advocates and family members) are involved in any decisions that are made, and we understand that high quality end of life care requires plenty of communication and compassion.

If you are the regular care giver for someone approaching the end of their life, we understand that it is easy to feel distressed, sad, overwhelmed and alone. At CareMatch, our team of experienced Carer Members are on hand to offer help and support in all aspects of end of life and palliative care, so that you don’t feel you are caring for someone by yourself, you can focus on prioritising emotional support, and the Care Receiver can have the best care journey possible.

What does end of life and palliative care include

• Help with administering medication
• Low-support medical care, including pain management so that the Care Receiver is as comfortable as possible
• Personal care, such as help with getting dressed, going to the toilet, having a bath or eating a meal
• Mobility support - At CareMatch, we strive to enable our Care Receiver’s to live as independently as possible, so this might include encouragement with physical activities they are capable of (such as going for a walk with a stick or in their wheelchair), depending on their condition
• Mental support - As a Care Receiver approaches the end of their life, the impact on their mental health can be huge, so our Carer Members are on hand to assist our Care Receivers in effectively expressing themselves and to help them maintain their dignity and independence
• Help with household tasks, such as the laundry, cooking meals or walking the dog
• Running essential errands, for example collecting your medication or doing a food shop
• Companionship - Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference. It's important for Care Receivers approaching the end of their life to have a friendly face around the house who is there for a cup of tea and a chat as well as to offer more physical support
• Overnight Care - If Care Receivers requiring end of life or palliative care wake up in the night, they can be very uncomfortable when they do and unable to get out of bed on their own. Our Carer Members are on hand to offer help and reassurance during the night to ensure a Care Receiver’s safety and alleviate any anxieties or discomfort
• Respite Care - If you are a Care Receiver’s regular care giver, and you need some extra support or some time off, our team of Carer Members can step in and help and give you the peace of mind knowing that your Care Receiver is receiving the high quality of care they are used to

Our specialist Carer Members have the necessary training and experience in working with Care Receivers approaching the end of their lives to ensure a high-quality care service that is tailored to them and their needs specifically. At CareMatch, we know that every moment counts, and we strive to enable our Care Receivers to live as independently as possible, at home for as long as they can.