End of life care
Palliative care, sometimes referred to as end-of-life care, is a specialised form of care designed to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a life-limiting illness. The primary goal of palliative care is to ease pain, improve quality of life and offer comfort and support for both the individual and their family.
At KYN, we understand the importance of a holistic, individualised approach to care, especially when dealing with life-limiting illnesses. We believe that everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their health condition.
The KYN Approach to Palliative Care
At KYN, we provide palliative care that is not just about managing physical symptoms, but also about addressing the person’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs. We believe that palliative care should be provided in a way that respects the individual's dignity and personal choices. Our palliative care services are designed to help our residents live fulfilling, enriched lives, even as they face the challenges of a serious illness.
Our compassionate and devoted teams approach palliative care with great empathy and sensitivity to enable the resident, their family and friends to feel as comfortable and supported as possible, physically and emotionally. We believe it is a privilege to be entrusted with caring for residents at this stage of their life.
We work closely with a resident’s loved ones and medical and health professionals to design a nuanced care plan to manage any pain, maintain their dignity, and fill their final moments with love, with their wishes respected.
We understand that this will be a complex and difficult time for everyone involved and will support family or friends who wish to stay in the resident’s room with them.
Our Palliative Care Team
Our palliative care team is made up of experienced nurses who undertake the highest level of specialised and best practice led palliative care training to ensure the most dignified and comprehensive care to individuals with life limiting illness. KYN work closely with St Christophers Hospice who provide ongoing guidance and support.
Alongside our trained nurses our team include trained carers who support our working closely with the person’s GP, consultants and specialists. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs are met.
Working Together for Better Care
At KYN, we believe in the power of teamwork. Our palliative care team works closely with other healthcare professionals, including GPs and clinical nurse specialists, to provide a personalised and holistic approach to care.
This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s care are coordinated and that they receive the best possible physical, emotional and spiritual support.
The Role of the NHS in Palliative Care
Collaborating with the NHS
We liaise with various healthcare organisations, including GP surgeries, clinics and NHS trusts, to ensure our residents receive outstanding care and support.
NHS Foundation Trust and Palliative Care
Our partnership with NHS Foundation Trusts allows us to provide a comprehensive range of palliative care services. This includes access to specialist palliative care consultants, nurse specialists, and other healthcare professionals who are experts in their field. Our close relationship with the NHS ensures that our residents have access to the best possible care.
Quality of Life at the Centre of Our Care
At KYN, we believe in enriching the lives of each of our residents, caring for them as we would our own families. Our palliative care services are designed to help manage pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. But we also understand that quality of life is about more than just physical health.
That's why we also offer psychological support, complementary therapies and a varied programme of life-enriching activities to address the emotional and spiritual needs of our residents.
Personalised Care Plans
We understand that every individual is unique, and so are their care needs. We work closely with our residents and their families to create personalised care plans. These plans take into account the individual's health conditions, personal preferences and lifestyle, ensuring that they receive care that is truly tailored to their needs.
We strive to honour each person as an individual, rather than focusing solely on their symptoms.
Our Holistic Approach to Palliative Care
We take a holistic approach to palliative care, considering all aspects of a person’s wellbeing. Our care plan includes medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual support, and we work closely with individuals and their families to personalise this care to their specific needs.
We believe that a holistic approach can significantly help to improve the quality of life for our residents, helping them to live as well as possible throughout all stages of their journey with KYN.
Complementary Therapies and Support
In addition to medical care, we also offer a range of complementary therapies, evidence-based approaches and support services. These can include physiotherapy, counselling, and spiritual support, all of which can help to improve the individual’s quality of life and wellbeing.
We also provide support for families, including bereavement support, to help them cope with the challenges they may face.
Referral to Our Palliative Care Services
If you are interested in learning more about palliative and end-of-life care with KYN, enquire today to request a brochure or arrange a visit. Referrals to our palliative care services can be made by any individual or their family members. Our team is always available to provide advice and support to those who need it.
The Referral Process
Once we receive a referral, our team will work closely with the resident, their family, and their healthcare providers to assess their needs and develop a personalised care plan. We understand that this can be a difficult time for families, and we are committed to providing compassionate and understanding care throughout the process.
Contact Us
For more information about KYN’s palliative care services in London, please contact us on 020 4530 7700. We would be more than happy to discuss how we can help improve the quality of life for you or your loved one at one of our London care homes.
Whether you're looking for advice, support, or simply someone to talk to, our team is here to help.
Palliative Care FAQs:
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What is Palliative Care?
Palliative and end of life care are both terms used to describe the care needed when someone has an illness that cannot be cured. Not only does end of life care provide respite and relief for a person's family and friends, our team also provides responsive pain management and emotional and spiritual support throughout the last days, weeks or months of their lives.
There are multiple different types of palliative care, including residential care, such as the services offered by the KYN team, and care at home. This is typically provided by friends or family but overseen by medical professionals.
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How to Choose the Right Palliative Care Options For You & Your Loved Ones?
Choosing the right palliative care option can be a challenge. There are several factors to consider, such as cost, comfort, life expectancy and religious needs. We recommend consulting with your doctor or other medical professionals to make sure you are making the right decision for yourself and your loved ones. Additionally, it is important to understand the differences between palliative care services and hospice care services - while both provide end-of-life care, they offer different levels of support.
At KYN, we strive to help you and your loved ones make well-informed decisions that are in line with your personal values and wishes. Our team of experts will provide you with facts, information and guidance on the best palliative care options for you and your loved ones. We can also connect you with highly qualified medical professionals who specialise in palliative care services.
We understand how important it is to make sure that you and your family receive the best care possible during this difficult time. That is why KYN provides comprehensive resources, support, compassion and comfort, so that you can feel confident in your decision.
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When is Specialist Palliative Care Appropriate?
Palliative care is an important and often under-appreciated field of care. For those whose illnesses are not responding to other treatments, palliative care can provide the necessary support for symptom relief and end-of-life wishes. It can also be used in conjunction with curative therapies as a way to manage symptoms so that the person can continue with their life with a better quality of life.
At KYN, we recognise the importance of palliative care and have developed a team to provide comprehensive support for those in need. Our specialists are experienced in actively managing symptoms, providing education and helping residents make informed decisions about their end-of-life journey.
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At what Stage of a Condition is Palliative Care Needed?
Though the term palliative care is often used synonymously with end-of-life care, it is available at any stage of a life-limiting illness.
Here at KYN, we offer residential care with and without palliative care, providing support and symptom management for those with advanced needs, those with developing conditions and those simply looking for a sense of community and activity as they grow older.
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How Does Palliative Care Help?
Palliative care helps people to live their lives as fully as possible, even if they are living with a life-limiting illness or condition. It helps to relieve pain and manage other symptoms; it addresses the person’s emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs, and it supports their family members through difficult times.
Palliative care can also help reduce hospital stays and costs associated with treatments. In some cases, palliative care can even improve longevity.
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What Kinds of Conditions Can KYN Provide Palliative Care For?
Here at KYN, our nursing care team, residential care team and supporting staff work together to create multi-disciplinary, personalised care plans for anyone who lives with us. We are able to offer holistic end-of-life care to older adults living with any life-limiting condition, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke or heart-related problems.
We also offer palliative care for those suffering from long-term and chronic conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Whatever challenges you or your loved one are facing, we can provide a personalised care service which offers comfort and dignity to all our residents.
