End of life Care & Terminal Diagnosis Advance Care Planning
You must meet the eligibility criteria for the benefit you are applying for and have a terminal illness. Illnesses or conditions that can be considered terminal include cancer, organ failure, dementia, stroke, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. These illnesses are not always terminal. If you have questions about your illness, it’s best to speak with your healthcare professional. Application forms are not available for members of the public, it is only your health professional who can access the forms and they will send them to the relevant government department. Completing the SR1
It can be difficult to make plans about the type of treatment and care you or the person you care for might need in the future. Advance care planning can help to document what sort of care a person wants to have and who should be consulted if they become too unwell to make decisions. Advance Care Planning gives you the opportunity to think about, talk about and write down your wishes, preferences and priorities for your care. This includes how you would like to be cared for towards the end of your life. This can include anything that is important to you, no matter how insignificant it may appear.
The SR1 can be completed by a registered clinician such as:
• A hospital consultant • A GP • A hospice doctor • A registered nurse e.g. advanced nurse practitioner, MacMillan nurse, clinical nurse specialist or a practice nurse with expertise in management of long-term conditions Further information or support
An Advance Care Plan booklet is available to all in Northamptonshire.
www.nhft.nhs.uk/eoldevelopment
Or you can request a copy by contacting the PALS team on acp@nhft.nhs.uk or 0800 9178504 .
SR1 Special Rules When an adult or child is nearing the end of life, and they are likely to have less than 12 months to live you may be able to apply or be issued a SR1 form for Special Rules. This form has replaced a DS1500. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-factual-medical-reports-guidance-for- healthcare-professionals/the-special-rules-how-the-benefit-system-supports-people-nearing-the- end-of-life Eligible benefits
The following organisations can provide help and support:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-factual-medical- reports-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/the-special-rules- how-the-benefit-system-supports-people-nearing-the-end-of-life
www.mariecurie.org.uk/services/support-line Telephone 0800 090 2309
www.macmillan.org.uk
The Special Rules apply to the following benefits:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) • Attendance Allowance • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children • Universal Credit
Hospice Care If the person you are looking after is nearing the end of their life, it may be recommended that they move into a hospice. They may move into a hospice from their home or from a residential care home or hospital. They may receive end of life care at a hospice if their illness is no longer curable, but a hospital stay is not necessary. A hospice can offer a wide range of supportive care that focuses not just on someone’s medical needs but also on their emotional well-being. They usually offer holistic support for the person being looked after, and for you as their Carer and any (other) family members.
Even if you are applying under the special rules, you must still qualify for the benefit. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria. How to apply To apply under the Special Rules, a healthcare professional needs to complete a form to confirm that you have a terminal illness. This is either an SR1 medical report form, or a BASRiS form. Your healthcare professional will know which form to use.
In Northamptonshire there is specialist support and advice to patients who have been diagnosed
68
69
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker