ARRANGING ADULT CARE

End of life care

"I need help with my end of life care."

About end of life care

If you are in the last months or years of your life, you can expect to receive high-quality care that is tailored to your medical, spiritual or emotional needs. It should help you to live as well as possible in the time you have left.

The people providing your care should ask you about your wishes and preferences, and take these into account as they work with you to plan your care. They should also support your family, carers or other people who are important to you.

You can find out more about end of life care on the NHS website.

Palliative care

End of life care includes palliative care. The aim of palliative care is to help you to have a good quality of life – this includes being as well and active as possible in the time you have left. It can involve:

  • managing physical symptoms, such as pain
  • emotional, spiritual and psychological support
  • social care, including help with things like washing, dressing or eating
  • support for your family and friends.

Learn more about palliative care on the Marie Curie website.

End of life support and guidance

We’ve put together some guidance for people who are approaching the end of their life, and for family or friends who are caring for them.

  • Find out what care is available to you

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    There are a range of health and social care providers to support you with your end of life care.

  • Create an end of life plan

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    We understand that there are many reasons why you might feel it is easier not to think about the end of your life, such as upsetting the people you care for or a fear of death or dying.

    However, by writing down the things that are important to you while you are able can help you feel in control of the situation.

    It can also help the people around you to understand your feelings and wishes in case you are unable to communicate them at a later date.

  • Help to live with a terminal illness

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    There’s no right or wrong way to feel when you are told you have a life-limiting illness. You may feel overwhelmed and it’s likely you’ll have a number of questions. There is a variety of support available to you at this time to help you to understand what to expect in the coming days, weeks or months.

  • Support when you are caring for someone at the end of their life

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    Hearing the news that a loved one has a life-limiting illness is always difficult. You may also need to take on a caring role to support them with their end of life care. It can be helpful to know that you can get support during this time, and after their death.