End of life strategy - the role of Housing Support

In 2008, the Department of Health published its End of Life Care Strategy to improve the end of life experience for both the dying and those left behind. One of the Strategy’s objectives is to increase public awareness and discussion of death and dying to make it easier for people to discuss their own preferences around end of life care. It also aims to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect at the end of their lives.

Organiser: Centre for Housing and Support, Elgar House, Shrub Hill Road, Worcester WR4 9EE
Location: Worcester, Manchester and London

Policies promoting choice in end of life decisions mean that housing-related support workers are increasingly supporting people who wish to be cared for in their own home at the end of their life. The ageing profile of the population also presents an increasing number of service users supported by housing staff at a time of bereavement.

Targeted specifically at those in the housing sector who provide support or accommodation, but not hands on care, this seminar will look at how support staff can assist in achieving the strategy’s objectives for individual service users, equip staff to maximise their effectiveness, as well as provide timely reminders of landlords’ responsibilities.

The Programme will include:

• Bereavement/ death – overcoming the taboo
• A brief overview of the End of Life Care Strategy
• The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and End of Life Care
• Raising awareness of the options at an individual, service and strategic level
• Providing opportunities and support for End of Life Car
• The key role of Housing Support workers
• Cultural and religious issues
• Key partnerships, sustaining the network, key opportunities to learn
• Risk management/ helping the client balance the risks in decision making

Who should attend:

• Sheltered Housing Scheme Managers
• Wardens
• Housing related Support workers
• Anyone working in General Needs Housing
• Floating Support and Community Support staff
• Housing Officers and Managers
• Anyone working with adults who are approaching the end of their lives or have experienced loss and bereavement

Cost: Just £149 including delegate pack, refreshments and a light buffet lunch. Also includes a copy of the Centre for Housing and Support Good Practice Guide No. 11 - End of Life Care and Bereavement - worth £20.

Dates: Worcester 10th March 2010, Manchester 17th March 2010, London 31st March 2010

More Information: For more information, please download the Course Description and Booking Form.