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Care towards the end of life

As you approach the end of your life, your care will focus on managing any symptoms you have, as well as supporting you emotionally and practically.

What's in the 'End of life care' section?

Key facts

  • Your care will aim to help you carry on doing the things you enjoy, and to live as well and as comfortably as possible.
  • You may get this care from a specialist palliative care team. They are experts in managing complex symptoms like pain that’s difficult to control and can provide emotional and psychological support.
  • Hospices provide care and support for people with an illness that can’t be cured. They are not just for those at the very end of their life. Hospices may also offer complementary therapies, spiritual care and support for your family.
  • GPs, district and community nurses can provide palliative care at home.
  • Where you are cared for will depend on your needs and preferences.
  • It can be useful to think early on about your future care. For example, where you would like to be cared for and any treatments that you do not want to have.
  • Talk to your doctor about your future care as early as you like. You do not have to wait for them to speak to you.

This information explains how care should happen. But we know things don’t always go according to plan.  You and your family may have to push for things to be done. For example, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions, chase appointments, or ask for care and support to be put in place. If you need information and support, you can always contact our specialist nurses on our free Support Line.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care teams help people with cancer that can’t be cured to live as well as possible for as long as possible. They provide specialist care to manage symptoms such as pain, and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. They provide support to family members too.

Early palliative care can help manage your symptoms more effectively and help you feel better. It’s a good idea to ask your medical team or GP about a referral to palliative care early on.

Palliative care may be provided in:

What is a specialist palliative care team?

Specialist palliative care teams vary, but may include palliative care doctors and nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and social workers. They provide specialist care for people who may need more complex palliative care. For example, they can help if pain is hard to control.

Not everyone will need specialist palliative care services. Many people will have palliative care that is provided by the GP and district nurse. They may also arrange support from the specialist palliative care team if you need this.

Planning your care

Thinking about the care you want in the future makes it easier for your family and medical team to plan your care and follow your wishes. As you become less well, you may be less able to make decisions or tell your family or medical team what you want. Talk to the medical team if there’s anything you’re worried about, so they can support you. It can be difficult to think about your future care, but it can help you feel more in control.

Planning your care is called advance care planning. There are different ways to make decisions about your care and record them. Ask your medical team to help you with this, or you can make your own record. You may also wish to talk to people close to you about your decisions about your care.

Your wishes may change, and you can make changes to your care plan at any time. If you have given your plan to your healthcare team, remember to tell them if your wishes change.

Read more about planning your care.

Choosing where to receive care

You can speak to your doctor or nurse about where you would like to be cared for. You may also want to think about where you would like to die and discuss this with them. This can be recorded in any plans you make about your care.

Your doctor or nurse will try to arrange support and care so that you can be cared for where you wish. But this may not always be possible – for example, if there isn’t a bed available at the local hospice. Speak to your family as well so that they are aware of your wishes.

Let your doctor or nurse know if your wishes about where you want to be cared for and die change.

 

Read more about where to receive care

Questions to ask your doctor or nurse

  • Can you refer me to the palliative care team?
  • What palliative care services are available locally?
  • What support is there for me to be cared for at home? How do I get this support?
  • Is there support for my family members or carers?
  • Who should I contact in an emergency, at night or at the weekend?
  • Where is the local hospice and what services do they provide?
  • Can you help me plan my future care?
  • What is the best way for me to record my decisions for the future?
  • Can I choose where I die and who is with me?

Where to find more information

  • Marie Curie have information for people at the end of life and their families, including information about how to care for someone at home, and information about Marie Curie nurses and hospices.
  • Hospice UK explain what hospice care is, and you can search for hospices near you.
  • The NHS website and NHS Inform have more information about care at the end of life, including planning your care.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie both have information about planning and arranging care, and sorting out your affairs and financial issues.
  • Compassion in Dying provide information about planning your care. Their website, My decisions, can help you record your decisions about your care.

More resources

What services do hospices offer?

Read more

What care should you expect?

Read more

Information and support for family and friends

Read more

Published August 2024

Review date August 2027

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