End of Life Care

Palliative care and end-of-life care share the same compassionate goal: to provide comfort, dignity, and relief from pain or distress. However, providing palliative care can begin much earlier in a life-limiting illness, often alongside ongoing treatments, helping individuals manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible. End-of-life care, on the other hand, is focused on the final months or weeks of life, when the emphasis shifts entirely towards comfort, peace, and emotional support for those approaching the end.

At Stanway Green Lodge, we deliver both types of care with the same dedication and sensitivity. Our trained team ensures residents are surrounded by familiar faces, comfort, and understanding, providing a gentle and respectful environment during this deeply personal stage of life.

In a residential setting such as Colchester-based Stanway Green Lodge, end-of-life care is delivered by a skilled, multidisciplinary team. This includes experienced carers, nurses, and managers who work in close partnership with GPs, district nurses, and local palliative care professionals. Each resident has an individualised care plan, which may include pain management, personal care, mobility support, and emotional wellbeing.

Our team provides round-the-clock attention, with familiar staff who understand each individual’s preferences and needs. This consistency builds trust and reassurance for families, helping everyone feel supported and provided with quality time. Families often tell us that knowing their loved one is cared for by people who truly know them brings enormous comfort during this time.

Managing both physical and emotional wellbeing is central to our philosophy of care. We begin by ensuring each resident’s comfort through careful monitoring, appropriate medication, and gentle assistance with mobility, nutrition, and personal care. Pain relief and symptom control are reviewed regularly with the support of healthcare professionals, allowing us to adapt care sensitively as needs change.

Equally, emotional support is a key part of our role. We take the time to listen, to understand what brings calm or comfort, and to provide company and reassurance. Families are encouraged to be part of this process, sharing memories, sitting together, and creating moments of peace. This balanced approach helps ensure dignity, warmth, and compassion throughout their final days.

Pain management is a vital part of providing quality end of life care for people. At Stanway Green Lodge, we work closely with GPs, district nurses, and palliative specialists to ensure every elderly resident’s pain is well-controlled through a tailored plan. This may include prescribed medication, positioning aids, massage, and holistic comfort measures to relieve discomfort and promote relaxation.

Our staff are trained to identify subtle signs of pain, even when a resident is unable to communicate verbally. This attentiveness ensures that adjustments can be made promptly to provide the best service possible. Our goal is to remove distress and help residents feel comfortable, safe, and calm. Families often find great reassurance in knowing that their loved one is as comfortable as possible and at ease in our care.

Yes, we welcome families who wish to stay overnight during this time. Our flexible visiting arrangements and private areas allow relatives to be close to their loved ones whenever they need to be. Whether it’s sharing a quiet conversation, sitting together in the evening, or simply being present, these moments are incredibly meaningful for both residents and families.

We can provide refreshments, bedding, and emotional support for those who choose to stay. Our caring team is always available to offer practical assistance or a listening ear. Many families find comfort in knowing they can be there when it matters most, within the peaceful surroundings of our residential care home in Colchester.

Yes, we know when people are looking to find palliative care that this is a big factor in your decision, and we can arrange religious or spiritual support for any resident or family who would find it comforting. This may include visits from local clergy, prayer, readings, or quiet moments of reflection according to each person’s wishes. For others, spirituality may be expressed through nature, music, or time with loved ones. We respect all beliefs and make sure that residents’ values and traditions are honoured without judgement or pressure.

We aim to provide a calm and supportive environment where everyone feels respected and at peace. Whether through faith, family, or quiet companionship, we make sure that each person receives the emotional and spiritual comfort that matters most to them.

Absolutely, we are committed to providing the best possible service to our residents and their families who receive palliative care. We encourage residents to have treasured belongings, photographs, and personal items around them, as these can bring comfort and familiarity. Familiar objects, such as a favourite blanket or family photograph, can help evoke positive memories and make the room feel truly personal.

Our bedrooms are designed to feel like individual sanctuaries rather than clinical spaces, allowing residents to surround themselves with things that reflect who they are. This simple act of personalisation helps residents and families alike feel grounded and connected. It reinforces our belief that comfort comes not only from care but also from the feeling of home.

When choosing a care home for end of life care, families should consider the quality of care, staff experience, environment, and the home’s overall atmosphere. It’s important to find a place where staff take time to know residents personally, where comfort and dignity are priorities, and where communication with families is open and honest.

At Stanway Green Lodge, we pride ourselves on being a family-run home with long-serving staff who provide consistency and warmth. We always encourage families to visit, meet our team, and see the environment for themselves. This helps ensure the decision feels right and gives peace of mind that your loved one will be cared for with respect, compassion, and familiarity.