Improving end-of-life care in nursing homes

Abstract

Nursing homes are one component of the longterm care (LTC) health system that also includes retirement homes, with and without assisted living, personal-care homes and in some jurisdictions what are referred to as complex continuing care units. The unifying theme for all of these organizational components is that most but not all individuals entering these facilities are elderly and many are, therefore, in the last phase of their lives [1]. For those whose experience in such facilities includes the final period of their lives, it is critical that the organizations address the clinical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of these residents. One’s end-of-life (EOL) period and the terminal phase of that experience should promote the best of clinical care and the essential features of nurturing and support for patients, residents and their families. Quality of EOL care should be integral to the LTC system.