Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Tips for the housing sector on end of life care

With the further escalation of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK, the lives of residents are at risk and those who are vulnerable may die of their current long-term condition.

This timely Housing LIN briefing (No2) sets out a number of tips for the housing sector on end of life care and signposts to a selection of useful links and further practical advice.

In particular, it recommends:                                                                   

• All tenants who become unwell should have an Advance Care Plan documenting stating what their wishes and preferences would be before and after death, and with their consent share this with their next of kin usually their families
• Record specific aspects of care such as ‘DNACPR’ (Do Not Attempt Cardio respiratory Resuscitation) or the ReSPECT form if it is being used in your area
• Find out how to access support for your tenants’ needs from both health and social care to access medication and any equipment if available
• Create a list of available support that includes a list contact names and numbers especially when in need of emergency, and
• Do encourage the use of technology (such as Skype or the phone) to keep tenants and families in touch.

If you have a tenant who requires end of life care, keeping them within your facility will be important in these unprecedented times. It is important now to find out how you can receive further support from your local palliative care team as many are providing virtual support via skype or similar.

To view other briefings in this series and updates, visit our Coronavirus Info Hub. And for bespoke support connected to this briefing and/or to help you organisation now or prepare for post COVID-19, visit our consultancy pages.