End of Life Care at Home Across England

In short

End of life care at home means carers supporting a person’s comfort, dignity and wishes in their last months, weeks or days, working alongside the GP, district nurses and hospice teams who manage medical care. It also means supporting the family.

What our carers do

Gentle personal care, mouth care and keeping the person clean and comfortable.
Repositioning to protect skin, as the nurses advise.
Small amounts of favourite food and drink, without pressure.
Company, quiet, music or prayer, whatever the person wants.
Noticing pain or distress and telling the nurses quickly.
Waking nights so the family can rest, or live-in care.

Working with the NHS team

The GP and district nurses lead on medical care and symptom control, often with a local hospice or specialist palliative care team. We follow their advice, record what we see and keep them informed. In Liverpool, people may also be supported by services such as the Marie Curie Hospice and the local palliative care teams.

Funding at the end of life

People with a rapidly deteriorating condition who may be entering the terminal phase can be assessed under the NHS continuing healthcare Fast Track pathway, so the NHS pays for care quickly. Ask the GP, district nurse or hospital team about it. Our guide to paying for care explains NHS continuing healthcare.

Respecting wishes

If the person has an advance care plan, an advance decision to refuse treatment or a DNACPR form, we make sure carers know about it and follow it. We respect faith, culture and family traditions.

Sources

FAQ

Questions families ask

Can someone be cared for at home at the end of life?

Yes, many people choose to die at home and with the right support it is often possible. Care at home works alongside the GP, district nurses and local hospice or palliative care teams, who manage medical needs and symptoms.

What is NHS continuing healthcare Fast Track?

If someone has a rapidly deteriorating condition and may be entering the terminal phase, a clinician can use the NHS continuing healthcare Fast Track pathway so the NHS funds care quickly, without the full assessment first.

Do your carers give medical treatment?

No. Our carers provide personal care, comfort and company. Medical treatment, pain relief by injection or syringe driver and symptom control are provided by nurses and doctors.

Arrange care at home

Call, WhatsApp or send a message. Tell us what is happening and we will talk the options through with you, with no obligation.

Send a message 0151 305 9969