CARE Toolkit

The tools and recommendations mentioned in the CARE Recommendations [PDF] are intended to assist nursing home staff implement palliative care and have end-of-life conversations with residents and their families.

Nursing homes that are equipped with the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills provide the best possible palliative and end-of-life care for residents. These tools are intended to be a starting point.

 

Toolkit Contents

Advance Care Planning

Advance Healthcare Directives
The advance healthcare directive (or just “advance directive”) is a way for residents to make their healthcare wishes known if they are unable to speak for themselves.

Advance Healthcare Directive fact sheet (PDF)
The advance healthcare directive fact sheet answers common questions about advance healthcare directives.

POLST form
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form states what treatment residents want toward the end of their lives.

POLST Frequently Ask Questions answers common POLST questions.

POLST Consumer Brochure (PDF)

Decision Aids is an educational series that explains the complex topics of life-sustaining treatments, using consumer-friendly language with evidence-based information.

Resident-Directed Care Considerations Toward The End Of Life

INTERACT: Stop and Watch Early Warning Tool (PDF)
Tools from INTERACT help direct caregivers communicate their observations to licensed staff so there is time to respond appropriately.

Decision Aids
Decision Aids is an educational series that explains the complex topics of life-sustaining treatments, using consumer-friendly language with evidence-based information. Learn more about Decision Aids and purchase the Aids in bulk quantities in our online store. Download samples below.

Artificial Hydration (PDF)
CPR (PDF)
Ventilation (PDF)
Tube Feeding (PDF)

INTERACT: SBAR Communication Form and Progress Note (PDF)
The SBAR form provides a checklist for clear communication.

Dying Well

Hospice in Nursing Homes
Hospice in Nursing Homes outlines how nursing homes and hospices can partner to meet individual resident needs.

FICA Spiritual Assessment
The FICA Spiritual Assessment helps identify a resident’s spiritual needs.