Caring for someone at the end of their life requires not only skill but compassion, respect, and emotional awareness. This half-day End of Life course supports care staff to feel more confident in providing high-quality, person-centred care for people in the final stages of life.

The course is suitable for staff working in residential, supported living, or domiciliary care settings and aims to strengthen their understanding of palliative care, emotional needs, and advanced care planning. It explores how to support individuals and families with dignity, as well as the importance of self-reflection when working in emotionally demanding situations.

This session provides practical knowledge while encouraging compassionate communication and respect for individual wishes during this critical time.

Key Learning

• What is meant by palliative and end of life care
• The principles of holistic care
• Understanding emotional, psychological, and social needs
• The importance of person-centred planning in end of life care
• Respecting individual wishes, beliefs, and cultural values
• Communicating sensitively with individuals and families
• Working as part of a wider care and support team
• Recognising the value of self-reflection and emotional resilience

End of life care is one of the most important and personal responsibilities in care work. This course gives staff the opportunity to explore what high-quality, compassionate care looks like during a person’s final days and how to provide support that honours each person’s needs, preferences, and dignity.

Learners will consider the difference between general and specialist palliative care and how to approach the holistic needs of individuals — including their physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, and social or spiritual concerns. The course also looks at advanced care planning and the role of the care team in ensuring that an individual’s wishes are understood and respected throughout their care journey.

The training reflects guidance from national organisations such as Marie Curie, Hospice UK, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), helping learners approach this sensitive area of care with confidence and empathy.

Relevant Standards Covered:

Care Certificate Standard 5 – Work in a person-centred way

Care Certificate Standard 6 – Communication

Care Certificate Standard 7 – Privacy and dignity

Care Certificate Standard 9 – Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disability

Care Certificate Standard 13 – Health and safety

End of Life Care: Good practice guidance from Marie Curie, NICE, and Skills for Care