What is an end of life care plan?

At Care UK, we believe every person should receive fully personalised, dignified end of life care. 

Our colleagues are trained to provide sensitive care for those nearing the end of their life – and their families – and care plans are an important part of this. 

Why are end of life care plans important? 

We know that it can be a very difficult time for loved ones when a person is approaching the end of their life. Many of our care homes provide sensitive end of life care, including palliative care. Our care teams work with you and your loved one, as well as local health professionals and hospices, to ensure every aspect of care your loved one receives in their last days is tailored to their needs and wishes.  

To do this, we'll have discussions around your loved one’s end of life care plan. These conversations, called advance care planning, can be difficult, but they are essential to ensure your relative or friend receives the best possible care and support. 

Many of our care homes have achieved or are working towards the Gold Standards Framework for End of Life Care, which means they offer the highest standards of care to people at the end of their life. The Potteries, which gained this accreditation in 2021, works closely with residents and their families to understand their wishes for their final days and hours, meaning they can eliminate upsetting and unwanted hospitalisations. 

What does a care plan include? 

Care plans set out the type of care and support a person needs. They are regularly reviewed to ensure your loved one is always receiving the best support possible. Read more about care plans.

When your loved one approaches their final days, their care plan may also incorporate any advance care planning they have arranged, which will include their wishes around the pain relief they receive, treatments they don’t want to have and who is granted power of attorney to make decisions for them. It might also include where and how they’d like to receive care. 

We’re passionate about supporting families and will provide all you need stay with your loved one and focus on them. Many of our homes will offer practical and emotional support for families after a loved one’s death, too. Get in touch with your local care home to find out more. 

What are the 5 priorities of end of life care? 

As set out by the NHS, there are five important priorities for the care and support people receive in the last days and hours of their life.

Find out more about end of life care at Care UK.