Community Asset Mapping: Die Well - End of life care
Download (PDF 7.61 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Essex worked with CVS Tendring and Community360 on a series of reports as part of a community assets mapping exercise of North East Essex. This report focuses on dying well. People were interviewed for the report.
People weren’t aware of community based end of life services.
Participants agree that there is a lack of understanding and empathy. Patients with health concerns have shown better outcomes from an empathetic approach. A lack of empathy can negatively impact patient care leaving those receiving medical care feeling frustrated, neglected and confused about their treatment.
Unpaid carers have many different caring roles. Working with both families who are active carers and those who have lost a partner. An ongoing service is offered to those, predominantly elderly, who are still registered with Carers First. A bereavement service is available on their website.
The report highlights the religious and cultural needs of ethnic minority communities at end of life.
People often find talking about death difficult. The report highlights projects like the Coffin Club which enables this taboo to be overcome.
Whilst people wanted their GP to be involved in end of life care, this was difficult due to the current challenges of booking GP appointments.
The majority of project participants are aware of their local hospice though, of the older participants spoken to, they have limited access to information online. Therefore, they are unaware of the extensive variety of services offered by the hospice and this information had not been shared with them at their GP.
People with addictions don’t receive the same end of life care that other people do.
The report contains four recommendations.