Palliative Care Course for Caregivers
​Build the skills and compassion to support elders at end of life. A practical, interdisciplinary course designed for home-care aides and caregivers.
Palliative Care
SNB Nurse CPE Program
Our Trainer
Associate Professor
Dr Edward Poon
Experienced Palliative Care Leader
Associate Professor, HSS | Deputy Cluster Director, HSS | Deputy Program Lead, BSN-MSN | Singapore Institute of Technology
About This Course
Care That Goes Beyond the Basics
Most caregiving training rarely covers palliative care in depth. This course fills that gap with real, practical knowledge.
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You will gain confidence and skills to support elders facing life-limiting illness — as part of a wider care team.
Who Is This For?
This course is designed specifically for Caregivers working with elders in home-care or residential settings.
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No prior palliative care required.
Course Goals
What Will You Gain
Broader Knowledge
Develop a deeper understanding of end-of-life diseases and how to care for elders facing them with dignity.
Family Perspectives
Explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by family members and close friends during terminal illness.
Team Collaboration
Gain insight into the roles of other care team members and how to work together effectively on end-of-life issues.
Week 1
Understanding the Foundation of Palliative Care​​
​Role of the Hospice
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Learn what hospice care is, how it differs from curative care, and when it becomes the right choice
for an elder.
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The Palliative Care Model
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Explore the principles of palliative care — comfort, dignity, and quality of life at every stage of illness.
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Your Role as a Caregiver
Understand your unique position when supporting life-threatening illness patients. Your presence matters
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Week 2
Managing Pain and Difficult Symptoms
Pain Care
Understand the many meanings of pain — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Learn how to assess and manage it effectively.
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Pain meanings and assessment tools
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Practical pain management strategies
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Symptom Management
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Address the most common and distressing symptoms in end-of-life care with confidence and skill.
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Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
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Depression in older persons
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End-of-life care in older adults
Week 3
The Human Side of Care
Loss & Grief
Explore how loss affects elders, families, and caregivers — and how to respond with compassion.
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Care for the Caregiver
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You cannot pour from an empty cup. Learn strategies to protect your own wellbeing while caring for others.
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Spirituality & Culture
Respect diverse spiritual and cultural needs. Every elder deserves care that honours who they are.
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Communication
Practise sensitive, clear communication with elders, families, and your wider care team.
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Week 4
Practical Skills and Reflection
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Well Being and Support
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Test
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Evaluation & Reflection
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Close the course with structured reflection. Review your learning, share experiences, and plan your next steps.
