Course Overview

This course will be delivered online over 22 weeks.

By 2040, the number of people in Britain aged 64 and over is expected to grow from 9.5 million to 15 million. The population is aging, which means there will be more people living with serious illnesses and in need of end of life care. The support needed and problems faced by people nearing the end of life is wide-ranging. Good understanding of pain management, support and quality of life is essential for all carers.

The Level 3 Principles of End of Life Care course is ideal for those who work in a care setting. It allows learners to gain relevant skills, knowledge and understanding of the different support services available and what is needed to create better person-centred care.

This qualification will give you the insight into the main practices surrounding end of life care and explores common questions and themes that carers may encounter. This innovative qualification can fast track your progression to a level which is recognised by employers.

As part of this course you will study five mandatory units:

UNIT 1 – Understanding end of life care

• Section 1 Outline the factors that can affect an individual’s views on death and dying, to include the following perspectives
• Section 2 Understand the aims of end of life care
• Section 3 Understand current approaches to end of life care
• Section 4 Know the range of support services available to individuals and their families

UNIT 2 – Communication during end of life care

• Section 1 Understand communication skills in the context of end of life care
• Section 2 Understand how to overcome barriers to communication

UNIT 3 – Assessment and care planning in end of life care

• Section 1 Understand the holistic approach to end of life care
• Section 2 Understand person centred assessment and planning
• Section 3 Understand advance care planning

UNIT 4 – Person centre approaches to end of life care

• Section 1 Understand the effects of symptoms in relation to end of life care
• Section 2 Understand a range of the rapeuticoptions used to support effective symptom relief
• Section 3 Understand the principles of pain management
• Section 4 Understand techniques for supporting a person with their social needs
• Section 5 Understand how to support a person’s spiritual, religious and cultural needs
• Section 6 Understand techniques for supporting a person with their psychological and emotional needs
• Section 7 Understand people’s responses to dying

UNIT 5 – Care during the final hours of life and bereavement care

• Section 1 Understand how to offer appropriate support in the final hours of life
• Section 2 Understand how to care for the deceased person
• Section 3 Understand the process of grief and loss
• Section 4 Understand how to support people following bereavement

Assessment Methods

Assessments are due at the end of each unit. Your tutor will assess your work and build up your portfolio of evidence of learning. A certificate will be awarded on satisfactory submission of evidence of learning for the units studied.