There are a number of options for care available to an individual facing a life-threatening illness. These include: Hospital, hospice, nursing home, residential care home and, of course, care at home. Each of these offers a different emphasis, as well as environment and is normally relevant to a particular set of circumstances.

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WHAT IS ‘A GOOD DEATH’?

Being without pain; being in a peaceful environment; Being treated as an individual with dignity and respect; Being in familiar surroundings; being with family and friends.

THE GOALS OF END OF LIFE CARE

The active, holistic care of a person whose illness is not responsive to curative treatment offers: Alleviation of pain and symptoms; emotional support for both patient and relatives; advice and help with practical matters; spiritual and psychological care and support.

What is End of Life Care?

"End of life care is care that helps all those with advanced, progressive, incurable illness to live as well as possible until they die. It enables the supportive and palliative care needs of both patient and family to be identified and met through the last phase of life and into bereavement. It includes management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social, spiritual and practical support."

- Department of Health End of Life Care Strategy (July 2008).

End of life care services help people in the later stages of their illnesses live out their remaining time in comfort and dignity and to achieve the best possible quality of life, even if that life is likely to be short. The aim is to ensure that a person with a life-limiting condition is as physically comfortable as possible and feels cared for and safe in a peaceful environment. Alleviation of pain and physical discomfort may...

improve the quality of life that remains.

enable a patient to live out their life with dignity.

increase the patient's ability to enjoy the company of family and friends.

allow the patient to think beyond the physical and to focus more on the needs of their emotional and spiritual health.

What will Hamersley House offer towards the provision of end of life care?

Hamersley House will provide short to long term end of life care and support, as well as respite care, in a peaceful and uplifting environment which fully supports the needs of the individual and their families.

In providing an alternative choice for a different set of needs within the community, the Centre will work in close co-operation with hospices and other healthcare providers, thereby complementing the existing provision of care.

It is of paramount importance to Hamersley House that those within its care will be treated with dignity and respect. Furthermore, care and support at Hamersley House will be available on a longer-term basis, if required.