Annual Review 2011/12 - Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

IMPROVING END-OF-LIFE CARE | 13
Committed
to improving
end-of-life care
Living through the later stages of life is a sensitive and emotional journey – not only for
the person who is at the end of their life, but also for their family. This is why the RMBI is
committed to doing all we can to improve the quality of the end-of-life care offered in our
Homes, to ensure that our staff offer care which respects residents’ individuality and maintains
their dignity.
“
In 2011-12, staff at a number of our
Homes began accredited training on
end-of-life care. Some have obtained
accreditation from the Gold Standards
Framework (a national standard of
care for people nearing the end of
their life), and some have embarked
on other equally prestigious accredited
schemes.
Every person has different needs,
but some worries are common to
most people at the end of their life.
Concerns include fear of abandonment
and fear of being a burden. People at
the end of their life also have concerns
about loss of dignity and loss of
control.
The period at the end of life is
different for each person. The signs
and symptoms people have will vary
as their illness or condition continues,
and each person has unique needs
for information and support. Through
enhanced training and support we
are able to make sure that a person’s
care continues, with the emphasis on
improving their quality of life and that
of their loved ones, and on making the
person comfortable.
The RMBI places a great emphasis on
ensuring that staff are appropriately
trained and equipped to deliver care
that is sensitive to meeting the needs
of the individual and of their family.
Staff are supported to ensure they have
the confidence and know-how to help
residents and their families with the
medical, psychological, social, spiritual
and emotional issues around dying.
Communication about end-of-life
care and decision-making during the
final months of a person’s life is also
important. Research has shown that,
if a person is able to discuss his or her
options for care early on, that person’s
level of stress decreases and their ability
to cope increases. Studies also show
that people prefer an open and honest
discussion about choices for end of life
early on and are more satisfied when
they have this conversation.
Using the good practice methodology
gained through their training, RMBI
staff are enabled to support families
and confidently address any questions
and concerns that family members may
have about the end-of-life care of their
loved one.
The care and
support my mum
and our family have
received at the
Home have been
outstanding and
the true meaning of
humanity, dignity
and compassion
is completely
understood and part
of the being of all
staff there, especially
her carers in these
past few difficult
weeks. Words cannot
possibly express our
heartfelt thanks and
gratitude.”
A relative of a resident at
Prince Michael of Kent Court, Watford