Death and Dying in Residential Homes for Older People

Abstract

In this chapter, Yvonne Shemmings explores further the specific functions of residential institutions. The previous chapter discussed the role of continuing care for dying old people in relation to the impact of community care policy on the provision of such care within the NHS. Seventy-one per cent of all deaths now occur in residential institutions; partly as a result of the redefinition of the role of medical institutions within the reforms of community care, residential homes are increasingly fulfilling this caring function. The marginalisation and neglect of residential institutions resulting from the dualistic conception of ‘residential care is bad, community care is good’ has contributed to the staff of such homes being ill prepared for this daunting task. This chapter explores the nature of the denial of death in our society, its consequent sequestration in residential institutions and the ways in which the demands this poses can be met in best practice within them.