End of Life Care Information for Emsworth and Surrounding Areas
At Emsworth Surgery, we prioritize providing compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. We understand that this is a difficult and emotional time, and we want to make sure you have the right information, resources, and support to navigate this stage with dignity.
This guide will help you understand the key terms related to end-of-life care, the available services in the Emsworth area, and important financial and legal aspects. We also include details on the support options for patients and families approaching the end of life.
Key Terms You May Encounter
Palliative Care
Holistic care for people with advanced, progressive, and incurable illnesses. This care focuses on managing symptoms and providing psychological, social, and spiritual support for both patients and families. It aims to improve quality of life during a person’s final months or years.
Hospice
A specialist care setting offering palliative care to people with terminal illnesses. This care may be provided at home, in day-care settings, or in inpatient facilities. Hospices support not only physical needs but also emotional, spiritual, and social aspects. Local hospices in our area include The Rowans Hospice (Purbrook) and St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Chichester). Hospices are often charity-funded.
Advance Care Planning
The process of reflecting on and discussing your wishes for future medical care, particularly when you may lose the capacity to make decisions. It helps ensure that your preferences are respected, even if you're no longer able to communicate them.
Advance Medications
Medications prescribed in advance by your GP to manage symptoms near the end of life (e.g., pain, restlessness, or nausea). These may be stored at home and administered by healthcare professionals when needed.
Syringe Driver
A small device that delivers medication continuously under the skin when you are unable to take oral medications. It is commonly used in end-of-life care for symptom control, and is set up by district nurses or the palliative care team.
Life-Limiting or Terminal Illness
Conditions where there is no reasonable hope for cure, and death is expected. These can include cancers and other progressive illnesses.
End of Life
This refers to the final phase of life, usually the last days or weeks when a person’s body is no longer able to function in a way that supports life. The exact timing of the end of life can be hard to predict.
Financial and Legal Aspects
Advance Statement
A general statement of your wishes regarding treatment and where you would like to be cared for. This is not legally binding but must be taken into account by healthcare professionals when making decisions.
Advance Directive
A legal document that provides instructions for your medical care if you become unable to communicate your wishes. It may include a Living Will (outlining specific medical treatments) or Lasting Power of Attorney (appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf for health and welfare).
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A legal document giving someone the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make decisions. There are two types of LPA: for financial decisions and health and welfare decisions.
Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR)
A legal order that a person should not receive CPR if their heart stops beating. This is a decision made based on the patient's wishes, their quality of life, or the likely outcomes of resuscitation.
DS1500 Form
A form that can be completed by a doctor when a person is terminally ill, allowing them to claim benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) under the special rules. This form is typically completed if death is expected within the next 6 months.
Continuing Care Funding
NHS funding for patients with substantial health needs, whether at home, in a care home, or in a hospital. This funding can be fast-tracked for those with terminal illnesses.
Carers Allowance
Financial support for individuals who are caring for someone for more than 35 hours per week. Eligibility depends on various factors, including the carer’s income and the patient’s needs.
Support Services Available in Emsworth and Surrounding Areas
The Rowans Hospice
Provides palliative and end-of-life care for patients across Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, including inpatient care, day services, and community-based support.
Rowans Hospice Website
St Wilfrid’s Hospice
Serving the Chichester area, St Wilfrid’s provides specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses, both in their hospice and in the community.
St Wilfrid's Hospice Website
Hospice Day Care Services
Both Rowans Hospice and St Wilfrid’s Hospice offer day care services that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. These services provide a variety of therapies, social work, and practical support.
Marie Curie
A national charity that provides hospice care, support for families, and specialist nursing care at home, particularly at night. Marie Curie services can be accessed through district nurses or your GP.
Marie Curie Website
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan provides expert care for those with cancer and life-limiting illnesses, including support with symptom management and emotional care.
Macmillan Website
The Rosemary Foundation
Offers a Hospice at Home service across Emsworth and surrounding villages, providing nursing care and emotional support for people at home in the final stages of life.
The Rosemary Foundation Website
Integrated Community Care Team (ICCT)
This team of healthcare professionals works closely with your GP and district nurses to offer holistic care at home, including assessments, case management, and care coordination for those with life-limiting illnesses.
Contact your GP for referral to ICCT.
Social Services and Support
Local social services can assist with care needs, financial support, and bereavement advice.
Expectations for End of Life Care
The process of end-of-life care can vary for each individual, but there are some common elements you can expect:
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Symptom Management: A key part of end-of-life care is controlling symptoms like pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing. This is usually managed by your GP, district nurses, or the palliative care team.
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Care at Home: Many people choose to remain at home during their final days, supported by the hospice team, district nurses, and other services. If symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, a stay in a hospice may be recommended.
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Bereavement Support: Support for families doesn't stop when a loved one dies. Bereavement support services, including counselling and practical advice, are available through the hospices, Macmillan, and social services.
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Verification and Certification of Death: After death, a doctor or qualified professional must verify and certify the death. This can sometimes take longer during the out-of-hours period. If a death occurs during office hours, the surgery can assist with arranging death verification. Outside of these hours, you can contact the local Out of Hours Service by dialing 111.
How Can We Help?
At Emsworth Surgery, we are committed to supporting patients and their families at this difficult time. We are here to provide advice, refer you to the right services, and ensure you have access to the appropriate care and support.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about end-of-life care or need assistance with any of the services mentioned in this guide.
For more information, or if you need immediate support, please reach out to the services above or contact the surgery directly.