End of life care: outstanding

R3. How are people supported at the end of their life to have a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death?

Characteristics of services we would rate as outstanding in this area

The service is particularly skilled at helping people and their families or carers to explore and record their wishes about care at the end of their life, and to plan how they will be met so that they feel consulted, empowered, listened to, and valued.

People's needs have been considered as part of the end of life care plan and this has taken account of language, communication, ability to understand and capacity when decisions are made.

The service is very responsive in enabling people to engage with their religious beliefs and/or preferences at the end of their life.

The service works closely with healthcare professionals and provides outstanding end of life care. People experience a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death.

Professionals visiting the service say it is focused on providing person-centred care and it achieves exceptional results. The service strives to be outstanding and innovative in providing person-centred end of life care based on best practice.

There is a rapid response to people's changing care needs and advice on care and support for people and carers at the times they need.

There are members of staff with the specific skills to understand and meet the needs of people and their families in relation to emotional support and the practical assistance they need at the end of the person's life. Staff are also supported by the service with empathy and understanding.