Palliative care assistants are healthcare assistants that provide specialist and end of life care and support to patients and their families.

What does the role involve?

• They provide care and support to individuals receiving palliative care for life limiting illness or at the end of life
• This can be clinical care, such as changing dressings or giving medication
• This can be social and emotional support, such as engaging in activities or sitting and listening to concerns
• They work in NHS and private hospital, at a hospice, at an adult care home or at a client's home
• The focus of palliative care is on quality of life

Qualifications required

• You can become a palliative care assistant through an apprenticeship, or by learning on the job
• For an apprenticeship you will need GCSEs
• To go straight into the job, a qualification such as the T level Health is highly desirable

Skills and attributes required

• Sensitivity and understanding
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Resilience to work in emotionally demanding situations
• Customer service skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Ability to understand people’s reactions