An Innovative Approach
The Life Care Hub will be designed and implemented using trauma-informed practices.
What is trauma
Trauma refers to situations or circumstances that an individual experiences negatively or that endanger their life. While it is a unique experience for each person, trauma can have lasting adverse effects, limiting an individual’s ability to function and achieve wellbeing in mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual areas. It is a subjective experience; the same situation can affect different people in very different ways.
What is Trauma-Informed Practice?
Studies on the impact of trauma indicate that exposure to traumatic experiences can affect a person's neurological, biological, psychological and social development. By recognising this reality, healthcare professionals increase their awareness of how trauma may influence patients' behaviour, their ability to feel safe, make decisions and develop personal relationships.
There are six key principles surrounding trauma-informed care. These must be integrated into the organisational structure, from designing the organisational chart to staff policies and procedures. Each interaction with patients is crucial. Trauma-informed practice does not constitute "an intervention," but happens in every exchange between people, both between patients and between healthcare professionals.
Safety
The physical, psychological and emotional safety of service users and staff is prioritised by:
• Ensuring people feel safe or asking what they need to feel safe
• Being reasonably free from threats or harm
• Trying to prevent the occurrence of re-traumatisation
• Implementing policies, practices and agreements that protect individuals
Trustworthiness
The organisation acts transparently in its policies and procedures, fostering trust between patients, service users and the community. This is achieved by:
• Explaining what the organisation and patients are doing and why
• Keeping promises made to patients
• Clarifying expectations and avoiding over-promising
Choice
Support patients in decision-making, choosing and setting shared goals to define the action plan they need to heal and move forward by:
• Ensuring that both patients and staff participate in the decision-making process, listening to both sides' needs and desires
• Clearly and transparently explaining available options
• Recognising that people who have experienced or are experiencing trauma may feel a lack of control over their lives, which may hinder the building of trust
Collaboration
Recognising the value of both healthcare staff and users' experiences in overcoming challenges and improving the system as a whole. This is achieved by:
• Using formal and informal peer support and fostering mutual self-help
• Asking patients and staff what they need and collaboratively considering how to meet these needs
• Focusing on working alongside patients, involving them actively in service delivery
Empowerment
Efforts are made to share power and give voice to patients and staff, both individually and organisationally, by:
• Validating the feelings and concerns of patients and staff
• Listening to the needs and desires of individuals
• Supporting people to make decisions and take action
• Recognising that people who have experienced or are experiencing trauma may feel powerless, isolated by their experiences and have low self-esteem
Cultural consideration
Overcoming cultural stereotypes and prejudices related to gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, geography, race or ethnic origin by:
• Offering access to gender-sensitive services
• Harnessing the healing value of traditional cultural connections
• Incorporating policies, protocols and processes that adequately respond to the needs of those served
Why is it important in palliative care?
In order to provide the gold standard of care for patients and their families in palliative care; taking a trauma informed approach is paramount. This takes into account the trauma histories of patients, the trauma of illness and entering a hospice in itself. It supports a better quality of life, dignity and compassion not only for patients but for the overall staff and organisational wellbeing too.
“The pervasiveness of psychological trauma exposure has been established in the general population and among the elderly adults. Moreover, there is emerging evidence for multiple additional opportunities for exposure to psychological trauma at or near the end of life. For example, many people experience intensive medical interventions prior to their admission to hospice and/or palliative care and there is increasing recognition that these interventions may be traumatic. These and related opportunities for trauma exposure may combine synergistically at the end of life, particularly in the presence of pain, anxiety, delirium, dementia or ordinary old age. This, in turn, can negatively affect patient mental health, wellbeing, behaviour and reported experience of pain. Therefore assessment of trauma history and trauma-related symptoms is an important element for compassionate patient care” (Ganzel, 2018).
Dr Sarah Senker PhD CPsychol
Holistic Care
We advocate care based on the belief that the health of the individual cannot be separated from the health of the family, the community, the society and the world. We believe that true health extends beyond physical care and encompasses the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing. Our holistic approach integrates psychological care, offering both individual and group therapy to support mental health, while social care focuses on group therapy to foster community and connection. We also recognise the importance of spiritual care, providing spaces for prayer and meditation to nurture the soul. In addition, our wellness services—such as spa treatments, yoga and massage—promote relaxation and balance, ensuring that every individual experiences complete care for the mind body and spirit.
Psychological Care
We will offer psychological care through individual and group therapy. These therapies help individuals process emotions, build resilience and foster personal growth, while group therapy encourages shared experiences and healing in a supportive environment.
Social Care
Our social care will focus on group therapy to create community and connection. Participants share their journeys, offering and receiving support in a space that fosters empathy, social interaction and mutual understanding.
Spiritual Care
We understand the importance of spiritual wellbeing in the healing process. Our services will provide opportunities for meditation and prayer, helping individuals find inner peace, reflect and connect with their beliefs.
Wellness
Wellness is central to our holistic care. Our spa treatments, yoga classes and massage therapies will promote relaxation, rejuvenation and balance, enhancing physical relaxation, mental clarity and overall wellbeing.
Sustainable and Eco−Friendly
Sustainability will be at the core of our planned construction and operational practices. Our facilities will be built using eco-friendly materials and sustainable building techniques to minimise environmental impact, ensuring a greener future for generations to come. To reduce energy consumption, we will incorporate advanced technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and smart climate control systems. Water conservation will also be a priority, with rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures implemented throughout the site. Additionally, we will prioritise waste reduction and recycling, aiming to operate with minimal waste and maximise the reuse of materials. By integrating these measures, we are committed to creating a facility that not only promotes health and wellbeing but also protects and respects the environment.
Sustainable · Eco−friendly · Renewable
Advanced Technology
We will prioritise the use of advanced technology to create a more efficient, eco-friendly environment. By embracing innovative solutions, we aim to reduce energy consumption, minimise environmental impact and enhance the overall experience for our residents. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that our facility will be equipped with the latest advancements to promote a greener, smarter future.
LED Lighting: All areas will be equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting to decrease power use.
Climate Control Optimisation: Our heating and cooling systems will be enhanced with smart thermostats and sustainable technologies for optimal efficiency.
Advanced Waste Management
Effective waste management and the use of sustainable technology are core to our environmental strategy. We will focus on:
Comprehensive Recycling Programmes: We will implement rigorous recycling and composting programmes to responsibly handle common and hazardous medical waste.
Sustainable Procurement Practices: Our purchasing policy will prioritise products that are sustainable, recyclable and made from non-toxic materials to ensure that our operations contribute to a circular economy.
Green Technology Integration: We will invest in eco-efficient medical devices and systems. For technology that becomes obsolete, we will partner with recycling firms to ensure proper disposal and minimise landfill impact.
Education and Collaboration: Staff training on sustainable practices will be continuous, enhancing awareness and participation in our green initiatives.
We will collaborate with environmental organisations to stay at the forefront of eco-friendly practices.
