End of Life in Care Homes: A Palliative Care Approach

Abstract

Reviews the book, "End of life in care homes: A palliative care approach," edited by J.S. Katz and S. Peace. This book represents a useful resource for practitioners and academics that work in and with care homes that combine a review of relevant research with suggestions for good practice. It is edited by two Open University academics and is underpinned by their seminal research on palliative care in care home settings and the organization and experience of residential care for older people. Organized into eleven chapters, seven of which are authored by one or both of the editors, the book covers a wide range of issues from care home provision in the UK and the characteristics of older people who die in care homes to dying in longterm care facilities in the United States. It provides a very useful overview of the issues and introduction to addressing the palliative care needs of this vulnerable population. Overall, in one small volume this book achieves a considerable amount; a useful synthesis of research on older people resident in care homes, their access to and experiences of end of life care and an informed and balanced discussion on how palliative care can be improved. It is an accessible book that would be a valuable resource for clinicians, academics students and care home staff. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)