• March 29, 2024
 New end of life guide released by the NCPC

New end of life guide released by the NCPC

The National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) have released a guide designed for cares, families, and friends of dying people. It has been published to provide advice on what to expect when someone is dying and practical steps to take before and after the person has passed away.

Though you will be assisting your clients on writing their will and discussing what they would like to happen with their assets after death, the practicalities of dying and advice for those around should be more prominent in decision making and planning.

The in-depth guide goes through that is to be expected and what happens when someone is in the process of dying. This can be a long drawn-out process across a number of days and there are signs and symptoms that loved ones and carers should be made aware of. The main changes that can occur in the final days of life are listed by the NCPC, and your client may wish to note particular steps people can take should any of these circumstances occur. Care and medical provision of the person themselves is just as important as structuring what will happen with their possessions after death.

Medical, religious and spiritual means of care should be considered, even though family members may not agree — it is up to the client themselves to decide with you (and medical professionals) what is best for them. There are a number of physical and mental attributes that can occur and clients may want to consider what they would like to happen, for the sake of the people present during that time.

Although it is a traumatic time for family and friends, if someone’s dying wishes are clearly set out, it should make it easier and simpler for those around to carry out the correct procedures. The NCPC guide lists exactly what needs to be done on death, such as who to contact, registering the death and starting funeral arrangements.

Further details such as organ donation also needs to be considered, as it’s reportedly more effective for these procedures to take place as soon as possible after death.

Details of figures and organisations to turn to for extra physical and emotional support are listed within the guide. There are a number of charities and organisations both the dying and friends and families can turn to — many of which are often unknown until the time arises. It’s advised clients should be made aware of these various systems, as they may wish to add extra information to their care plan.

For more information, and to view the “What to expect when someone important to you is dying” guide, please visit the Dying Matters website.

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