The Palliative Approach in Long-Term Care Community of Practice is a group of professionals, patients, caregivers and other interested individuals who come together to share experiences and best practices regarding Advance Care Planning and palliative approaches in LTC education and implementation, including challenges and successes. For more information or to join please click here
The need for a palliative approach in Long term care
Individuals in long-term care (LTC) who are reaching end-of-life have unique physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual needs.
A palliative approach to care ensures these needs are being met in a compassionate way that enhances the quality of life, limits suffering and provides needed comfort.
Understanding a palliative approach to LTC
A palliative approach in long-term care (LTC) relies on evidence-based processes to provide high quality care for LTC residents living with chronic and life-limiting illnesses. This approach provides individuals with a seamless transition from chronic disease management to appropriate end-of-life planning and care. Working alongside health professionals and family members, individuals with a life-limiting or life-ending illness are involved throughout the illness trajectory. Care is rooted in open and honest conversations so residents can ensure their personal, spiritual and emotional concerns are heard and addressed.
Impact
Failure to proactively identify, discuss, and address end-of-life issues often leads to costly hospital stays and creates added stress or burden for families. Families and staff sometimes feel uncomfortable initiating early discussions about palliative care or what to do in the event of a change in health status. However, strengthening the capacity of long-term care (LTC) homes to engage in and support these discussions has real impact. Early research demonstrates that implementing a palliative approach to care in LTC leads to improved family satisfaction and a 55% reduction in emergency department visits for residents in their last year of life. As a result, more LTC residents can be supported to die at home, according to their wishes.
