Bluebird Care works with individuals and families who require personalised care in their own homes.
Marie Donaghy, Business Development Manager at Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus, explained that the College had been working closely with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to develop the training.
“With so many health and social care professionals and their families directly affected by the pandemic, we have been working in close collaboration with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s palliative care team to identify best practice and develop content in this accredited qualification for those working or interested in developing skills in end of life care.”
She continued: “We piloted a 12-week course in End of Life Care last term, to provide additional support for families and professionals. This was well received and further provision is planned.
“The course content is relevant for anyone providing end of life care and support in health, residential, domiciliary care and palliative care settings so we were able to tailor it to suit the specific needs of Bluebird Care staff. Thanks to the Skills Focus initiative funding, we can deliver the accredited course to Bluebird staff online and help close what has been identified as skills gap.”
Health and Social Care lecturer Anne-Marie McAleese will deliver the Palliative Care course to Bluebird Care staff from early October. She said it will explore the communication around death, dying and bereavement, as well as policy and available support services.
“This can be very difficult for people to talk about but there is a growing demand for this type of course to help people explore sensitive issues.”
Anne-Marie said that it is important for families to open up the conversation around end of life care.
“End of Life care is an important conversation for all of us to be aware of and not just at time when we feel end of life is near. This course can benefit so many both personally and professionally and it’s important to know that you don’t have to be employed in care work to do this course, The course is delivered in a warm, compassionate and supportive way and helps us reflect on how we feel ourselves on death and dying and increases our understanding of how others may feel depending on their circumstances.
“The course will have participants explore the multi-disciplinary approach to end of life care in Northern Ireland, looking at the range of services that meet to address individual’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.”
Palliative Care Week (12 – 18 September 2021) aims to raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make to people with life-limiting conditions, carers and families.
Anne-Marie added: “It is important to raise awareness of this local provision in palliative care week where may people will want to learn more about end of life care or enrich their professional skills.