Key information for families and friends
- Looking after someone who is nearing the end of their life can feel overwhelming. Make sure you get emotional support if you need it.
- As someone approaches the end of their life, their care is focused on managing symptoms and emotional support.
- People can be cared for in their home, in hospital, a care home or at a hospice.
- If you are caring for your loved one at home, there can be a lot to do and think about. Ask the doctor or nurse for details of who to call if you need help or advice, especially at night or at weekends.
- If your loved one is in hospital, a care home or at a hospice, find out about visiting arrangements. Your family member may want relatives to stay overnight or might want their pet to visit.
- Ask friends and family to help with anything you need. People are often happy to help out but struggle to know what they can do unless you tell them.
- Think about anything you want to talk to your family member about, or how you would like to make the most of your time together.
- People may have different symptoms in the last few days, and there may be signs that the end of life is near.
- There is support available to help you cope with grief and loss after someone dies.
