Step 5 - Care in the last days of life

The point comes when an individual enters the dying phase. It is vital that staff can recognise that this person is dying, so they can deliver the care that is needed. How someone dies remains a lasting memory for the individual's relatives, friends and the care staff involved.

It is important that the person dying can be confident that any expressed wishes, preferences and choices will be reviewed and acted upon and that their families and carers will be supported throughout.

Tools to help include:

• Finding the words workbook and DVD
• The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP)
• Rapid discharge pathways
• e-ELCA e-learning modules on symptom management and diagnosing dying - free for health and social care staff
• Support sheets, for example on the dying process and the NHS continuing care fast track pathway tool.
• Case studies relating to Step 5 of the care pathway