Caring for people approaching the end of their life is one of the most challenging yet rewarding responsibilities in health and social care. This caring for dying people training course equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate, person‑centred support during this sensitive stage of life.

The course explores the policies and frameworks that guide end of life care, including the Gold Standards Framework and Preferred Priorities for Care. Learners will also examine the principles of palliative care, the importance of equality and diversity, and the role of effective communication in supporting individuals and families.

By the end of this caring for dying people training, participants will understand how to plan ahead, respect individual wishes, and provide safe, dignified care that meets physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Why Caring for Dying People Training Matters

End of life care requires more than clinical knowledge—it demands empathy, respect, and the ability to support individuals and families through difficult decisions. Training ensures staff can recognise when end of life begins, apply best practice, and deliver care that upholds dignity and quality of life.

What You’ll Learn in Caring for Dying People Training

• Policies and guidance for end of life care
• When end of life begins and how to recognise it
• Principles of palliative care and symptom management
• Diversity, equality, and the importance of language in care
• Planning ahead and supporting individual choices
• Preferred Priorities for Care and advance planning tools
• The role of power of attorney in decision‑making
• The Gold Standards Framework for best practice
• Nutrition, hydration, and mouth care at the end of life

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Recognise when end of life care should begin
• Apply palliative care principles to support comfort and dignity
• Respect diversity, equality, and communication needs
• Support advance planning and decision‑making processes
• Provide safe and compassionate care, including nutrition and hydration support

Who Should Take This Course

• Health and social care workers
• Palliative and end of life care staff
• Managers and supervisors in care settings
• Anyone supporting individuals approaching the end of life