Support Individuals During the Last Days of Life

Learning outcomes

1 Understand the impact of the last days of life on the individual and others

1.1 Describe psychological aspects of the dying phase for the individual and others

1.2 Analyse the impact of the last days of life on the relationships between individuals and others

2 Understand how to respond to common symptoms in the last days of life

2.1 Describe the common signs of approaching death

2.2 Explain how to minimise the distress of symptoms related to the last days of life

2.3 Describe appropriate comfort measures in the final hours of life

2.4 Explain the circumstances when life-prolonging treatment can be stopped or withheld

2.5 Identify the signs that death has occurred

3 Be able to support individuals and others during the last days of life

3.1 Demonstrate a range of ways to enhance an individual’s well- being during the last days of life

3.2 Work in partnership with others to support the individual’s well-being

3.3 Describe how to use a range of tools for end of life care according to agreed ways of working

3.4 Support others to understand the process following death according to agreed ways of working

4 Be able to respond to changing needs of an individual during the last days of life

4.1 Explain the importance of following the individual’s advance care plan in the last days of life

4.2 Record the changing needs of the individual during the last days of life according to agreed ways of working

4.3 Support the individual when their condition changes according to agreed ways of working

5 Be able to work according to national guidelines, local policies and procedures, taking into account preferences and wishes after the death of the individual

5.1 Implement actions immediately after a death that respect the individual’s preferences and wishes according to agreed ways of working

5.2 Provide care for the individual after death according to national guidelines, local policies and procedures

5.3 Explain the importance of following the advance care plan to implement the individual’s preferences and wishes for their afterdeath care

5.4 Follow agreed ways of working relating to prevention and control of infection when caring for and transferring a deceased person

5.5 Explain ways to support others immediately following the death of the individual

6 Be able to manage own feelings in relation to an individual’s dying or death

6.1 Identify ways to manage own feelings in relation to an individual’s death

6.2 Use support systems to manage own feelings in relation to an individual’s death