Comfort care
Supportive, compassionate comfort care from trusted, knowledgeable Care Professionals to help those going through end-of-life care who want to remain in their own home.
What is comfort care?
Comfort care is a type of home care designed for anyone who has reached the stage of requiring end-of-life care, and for whom treatment is no longer improving their condition. It focuses on keeping them comfortable as they approach the end of their life, and ensuring their dignity. This usually involves a combination of four elements–physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks–and often extends to the person’s family, too.
Comfort care may encompass:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Continence care if needed
- General companionship so the person is never alone
- Overnight care
- Medication assistance for pain relief
- Respite care for families
- Emotional support
- Facilitating visits from healthcare professionals or family
Why is comfort care at home important?
For those receiving comfort care and coming to the end of their life, it is often preferable to experience this in the familiar surroundings of their own home. In fact, research suggests 71% of people in this position would prefer care at home rather than moving to a hospice.
While palliative care may still be attempting to cure or improve a health condition, comfort care is more similar to end-of-life care in its intent, as it aims to put the person at ease and ensure their final wishes are respected. This means a focus on pain relief, symptom management, preserving quality of life, and helping both the person and their family navigate challenging emotions. Due to the sensitive nature of comfort care, it is usually best to do this at home.
Do I need comfort care?
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal condition, then–depending on the outlook given by their doctor–they may benefit from transitioning to comfort care at home where they can be surrounded by their treasured belongings, spend more time with family, and enjoy the comfort of their home rather than spending their final weeks or days in a hospice environment.
We understand the transition from curative treatments to prioritising comfort can be emotionally difficult, which is why at Home Instead, our trusted and experienced Care Professionals take time to discuss the particulars of this type of care with clients and their families, ensuring this time can remain peaceful, dignified and comfortable.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
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How to get started arranging comfort care
If you are unsure whether your loved one should receive comfort care at home, our experienced team is always happy to answer any questions you have about beginning this process. We work hard to pair each client with a Care Professional who complements their personality, respects their choices, and can be flexible as your loved one’s needs change over time.
Arranging comfort care with us usually begins with a discussion about your loved one’s current condition and circumstances, followed by a visit from our friendly team to assess your needs at this time. Whatever questions you would like answered about arranging comfort care now or in the future, we’re here to help.
Why Home Instead?
Our understanding, compassionate Care Professionals and helpful office staff can help you and your loved one during what is sure to be a difficult time, offering the practical and emotional support you need. We are proud to be rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can rest assured your loved one will be in good hands with our team.
From providing practical assistance with personal care tasks, to medication management for pain relief, to emotional support for the whole family, our Care Professionals are highly experienced and can make sure this time is as easy and comfortable as it can be.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.