What is end of life care

End of Life care is for anyone with an advanced progressive illness, for example people living with cancer or cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions and many more.

This care includes the management of pain and other symptoms at the end of life as well as psychological, social and spiritual support to help achieve the best quality end of life care for patients and their families.

The NHS website (opens in new window) has an end of life guide for people who are approaching the end of their life. This includes how and where you want to be cared for, financial issues, planning ahead and searching for local hospices (opens in new window). Some parts of it may also be useful for people who are caring for someone who is dying, or people who want to plan in advance for their end of life care. 

You can also find information about your rights and choices, including refusing treatment, setting down your wishes for your future treatment, and how to give someone the legal right to make decisions for you if you are no longer capable.

This guide also contains information about talking to your family and carers about dying and about your wishes.