End of life care

The use of medication to treat dementia can be a difficult choice but, at certain stages of the condition, prescribed and regularly reviewed, drugs may be helpful. It’s important that any care given should meet that person’s needs.

Individuals should feel wanted, rested and safe, and able to join in the activities they enjoy. Contact East Sussex Health and Social Care Connect on 0345 60 80 191, or the Brighton & Hove Adult Social Care Access Point on 01273 295555 for information about services for people with dementia.

Although the subject of dying is often difficult to contemplate, it is essential that you and your relatives discuss your wishes as you near the end of your life. Good planning for all your needs should mean that you can (if you choose), remain in your home or care home at the end of your life and not have to be admitted to hospital.

You may wish to complete an Advance Care Plan (ACP) to record what is most important to you, and how you would like to be supported. An ACP, such as ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) or a Preferred Priorities for Care form, can be created through conversations with your GP or health professional and can involve your family and carers. The process is designed to help you prepare for the future and gives you an opportunity to think about, talk about, and write down your preferences and priorities for care in an emergency or at the end of life.

When choosing a service, you should consider its end of life care philosophy and policies. Enabling people to die in comfort, and with dignity, should be a core part of the service offered. The way care professionals approach the process will be incredibly important for you, your family, and carers.

An end of life care plan should also be drawn up, as it is vital to establish your preferences and choices.

It is also important to confirm whether health and social care staff delivering a service have been trained in communication regarding end of life care and in assessing the needs of individuals and carers.

It is worth asking care providers whether they are working towards The Gold Standards Framework. This can be used in various settings, for example hospitals, primary care and care homes, to improve the co-ordination and communication between different organisations involved in providing care for someone near the end of their life.

East Sussex

Visit eastsussex.gov.uk/end-of-life or contact Health and Social Care Connect. See page 6 for contact details.

Brighton & Hove

This webpage details bereavement support resources including a link to ‘My Life’. Web: brighton-hove.gov.uk/woodvale-

crematorium-and-cemeteries/bereavementsupport-resources

Care for the Carers East Sussex

Provides a fact sheet containing information and guidance for carers who have been recently bereaved and they no longer provide care. Tel: 01323 738390 • Web: cftc.org.uk

Carers Hub

The Carers Hub offers carers who are looking after someone with a life-limiting illness or nearing the end of life the opportunity to talk to a specialist Carers Support Worker about any issues they may be facing and have ongoing support. Carers have the option to attend a specific monthly group offering peer support, information and activities. Tel: 01323 738390 • Email: info@carershub.co.uk

Dying Matters

Set up by the National Council for Palliative Care, the coalition aims to promote awareness of dying, death and bereavement. The website has a comprehensive support section. Web: dyingmatters.org