9221 FSH Flyer - Four Seasons Health Care

• Psychological – emotional supportto the resident and those who careabout them, giving time to listen tothem and understand their concerns.• Social – support and advice onpractical matters.• Spiritual – a need to explore thoughtsabout the meaning of life or concernsabout what happens after death.All people are likely to have spiritualrequirements and some may alsohave practical and diverse religiousneeds.Issues for relativesKnowing that you are likely to losesomeone you care about can be verydifficult and it is completely normalto feel a whole range of conflictingemotions.If you find it difficult to cope before orafter a death, talk to someone you feelcomfortable with, in the family, in the carehome or wherever seems right to you.If you need more help, contact your GPfor referral to emotional support orbereavement support services.There are also likely to be local charitiesrunning services or support groups inyour area. Ask your GP or the care homestaff for suggestions.

Planning for palliativeand end of life careCare at the end of life is likely to bebetter if someone’s wishes are known inadvance, especially if the conversationscan take place before these decisions areactually needed. For example, ifsomeone’s health deteriorates, do theythink they would prefer to go to a carehome or similar? Who would they wishto have with them at the end of life?Having these advanced wishes recordedcan help families and staff faced with acrisis situation, especially if this ariseswhen the people who know the personbest are not available.

This leaflet was compiledwith information fromThe National Councilfor Palliative Care,the umbrella bodyfor all involved inpalliative care servicesin England, Wales &Northern Ireland.For more informationcall 020 7697 1520or visit their websiteat www.ncpc.org.uk.Four Seasons Health CareEmerson Court, Alderley Road,Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1NXTel: 01625 417800Fax: 01625 417827E-mail: fourseasons@fshc.co.ukWebsite: www.fshc.co.uk04/06