Healthcare assistants: improving end-of-life care

This article describes the conception, development and importance of healthcare assistant (HCA) role in providing end-of-life care to residents in a care home environment. Joining the Gold Standard Framework (GSF) has provided an opportunity for Risedale Estate Limited to realize the training style needed to uplift the role of the HCA. Having an HCA at the beginning of the GSF project made the company aware that training as a team regardless of designation, grade and discipline improved the provision of care. Team-based training made a difference in the HCAs’ confidence, communication and quality of support to the nursing staff. HCAs expressed their thoughts and feelings as part of a team in providing the end-of-life care. End-of-life care is now viewed by the HCA as a positive experience and an opportunity to be a part of their residents’ life.