Our CARE model aims to promote dignity, respect and compassion in the last days of someone’s life and to provide excellent bereavement care.
Our model involves:
• Care of the dying person/bereavement training for colleagues
• Resource boxes and folders in all areas
• Use of the CARE symbol which is placed near the bed area – this is a prompt to raise awareness that the person is dying, promoting dignity and respect. The use of the sign is discussed with the patient (if able) and the family before use
C - Communicate - Communicate sensitively with the dying patient and those
important to them. Commence the Individual Plan of Care for the dying person.
A - Ask - Ask about the wishes and needs of the patient and those important to them.
R - Respond - Respond to the needs of the patient and those important to them.
E - Engage - Continually engage with the patient and those important to them. Needs may change and should be regularly assessed.