End of life care in BCOP homes

Facing the end of life is never easy, for the individual or their family. At BCOP, we believe everyone deserves comfort, peace and respect in their final days. Our end of life (sometimes called palliative care) services are available at all three of our Birmingham nursing homes: Anita Stone Court in Moseley, Neville Williams House, in Selly Park and Robert Harvey House in Handsworth Wood. Each home offers a calm, respectful setting with sensory spaces, caring staff and peaceful routines.

Whether someone is coming to us from hospital, hospice, or home, our team provides gentle, expert care in a calm, homely environment, where emotional wellbeing, spiritual comfort and family involvement are at the heart of everything we do.

What we offer

• 24-hour nursing and care from experienced, fully trained staff
• Specialist care for people living with advanced dementia
• Quiet, private rooms and welcoming spaces for families
• Support for residents admitted via Continuing Healthcare (CHC) or hospice referral
• Close collaboration with NHS professionals, hospices and GPs
• Transparent communication and guidance for loved ones

We focus on making each moment meaningful, easing physical symptoms while supporting emotional needs, for both residents and those close to them.

"My 94 year old mother, who suffered from dementia, moved from a local care home to Neville Williams House in November 2024 as she needed more specialised care. Mum's lovely light room was always clean and tidy and overlooked the garden. She spent the last few months of her life supported by a wonderful team of carers and nurses who coped heroically with her challenging behavior, always staying patient, kind and respectful to her. All the staff were so friendly and gave us lots of support and good advice."

Introducing Namaste care: sensory-based support for people with advanced dementia

At BCOP, we are proud to introduce Namaste care, a pioneering programme designed to enhance comfort and connection for people with advanced dementia. The word Namaste means “to honour the spirit within,” and this approach does just that.

Originating in the USA and now championed in the UK by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies, Namaste care offers:

• Structured sensory sessions
• Gentle touch, music, movement, scent and personal engagement
• Relaxed, spa-like environments that soothe anxiety and agitation
• Improved wellbeing and, in some cases, reduced need for medication
• Opportunities for families to be involved and contribute meaningfully

What happens in a Namaste session?

During each session, residents are welcomed by name and gently introduced to soothing experiences, including:

• Favourite foods or drinks
• Hand massage and pampering
• Music, singing, dancing or quiet reading
• Textured materials, rummage boxes and memory prompts
• Puppets, soft animals, bubbles and simple musical instruments
• Gentle movement and sensory interaction based on each person’s needs

The goal is not to entertain, but to create comfort, joy and calm in the present moment, recognising that dementia is a terminal illness and that quality of life matters at every stage.

Support for families during end of life care

We work closely with families at every step, including:

• Pre-admission conversations about wishes and care preferences
• Family meetings to introduce ourselves and gather life stories
• Ongoing communication and updates
• Warm, private spaces for visiting
• Emotional and spiritual support before and after bereavement

We also include Lasting Power of Attorney (Health and Welfare) representatives in planning and decision-making wherever applicable.

How to access end of life (or palliative) care

We welcome referrals through:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
• Local GPs and hospitals
• Hospices and district nursing teams
• Direct enquiries from families and care professionals

Contact us for availability or advice

Because every life deserves a gentle ending

At BCOP, we honour the individuality of every person we support, right to the very end. If you are seeking a nursing home that offers respectful, person-centred palliative care in a warm and inclusive environment, we are here for you.

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