In the U.S., it is possible to receive palliative care in a longterm care facility. I'm surprised that such would not be the case in the UK. I doubt that what's done in the UK with people at the end of life is hugely different from what we do with terminal patients, even though the "name" of the care make be termed differently. In the U.S., palliative care often means nothing more than easy access to opioids and benzo tranquilizers. The UK pioneered the liberal use of opioids in the care of the terminally ill. So your longterm care facilities may be doing palliative care, without using that term.

You're right to have concern over what kind of home your friend will wind up in. These longterm care facilities vary greatly in quality. In the U.S., to get into a great facility means you have to pay privately. That means you have to have a good bit of personal wealth. I'm sure your country has beautiful places for the wealthy, just as we do. Then there are the regular nursing homes that are all understaffed. I'll bet that's as true in your country, as it is in mine. Still, people get cared for in these places. Visitors can make a big impact on quality of care. A dying person is in no shape to advocate for herself. Family and friends can do that for them. It can make the difference between getting taken to the bathroom when one needs to go and not getting taken. If you are able to visit your friend, you can make a real difference.