Palliative and End of Life Care for Health Care Assistants

A 3 day training programme on Palliative and End of Life Care for Health Care Assistants

Day 1: Foundations of Palliative and End of Life Care

Understand the basics and build confidence

• What is palliative care & end of life care (definitions & purpose)
• Disease trajectories and how illness progresses
• Recognising when someone may be approaching end of life
• Overview of common symptoms:
  • Pain
  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Breathlessness
  • Agitation / restlessness
  • Respiratory secretions
  • Constipation
• Introduction to medication routes in palliative care
• Myths vs truths in end of life care

Day 2: Comfort, Symptoms and Physical Care

Providing comfort and dignity in the last days of life

• Eating and drinking in the last days of life
• Anorexia & cachexia – understanding natural changes
• Importance of mouth care & oral comfort
• Recognising physical changes at end of life
• Observing, reporting & responding to symptoms
• Supporting comfort, dignity and quality of life

Day 3: Communication, Families and Holistic Care

Supporting people emotionally, spiritually & socially

• Communication skills: empathy, listening & body language
• Responding to uncertainty and difficult situations
• Awareness of delivering unwelcomed news
• Supporting families and carers in care
• Spiritual vs religious care needs
• Cultural awareness in end of life care
• Introduction to genograms & family support
• “Last Days Matter” & future care planning

Course Outcome

By the end of the programme, learners will feel more confident in:

• Delivering compassionate, person-centred care
• Recognising and responding to end of life needs
• Supporting families with sensitivity
• Communicating effectively in difficult situations
• Providing dignity, comfort, and respect in all aspects of care

• Venue: The Terence Burgess Education Centre at Queenscourt Hospice, Town Lane, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6RE
• Dates: 1 October, 22 October and 12 November
• Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm, refreshments and lunch provided
• Price: £150.00 per person
• Tel: 01704 517920
• Email: education@queenscourt.org.uk
• Organisation: Teaching will be facilitated by West Lancs, Southport and Formby Multi Professional Palliative Care Team

If you would like to join this course please contact the Terence Burgess Education Centre