Explanations
Job Profile: Palliative Care Assistant
Liz Blamire
17th October 2023
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
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