There isn’t a single specific point in an illness when end of life care begins, as it very much depends on each individual and the illness they are suffering. With most terminal illnesses, the person’s doctor will most likely provide you with information regarding the various stages in their diagnosis.

These stages can provide some general guidelines for better understanding the progression of the illness, identifying symptoms and planning appropriate stage-by-stage care. For most life-limiting illnesses, the following are signs that indicate you may want to talk to your loved one about the further need for palliative, rather than curative care options:

  • The person’s condition has largely been stabilized, but their illness continues to progress significantly, decreasing their actual quality of life.
  • They’ve been admitted to hospital several times within the last year with the same or worsening symptoms.
  • They have decided to stop receiving further treatments .for their disease.
  • They may wish to remain at home, rather than spend further time in hospital.

What care options are available?

In the final stages of a life limiting illness, it will eventually become evident that in spite of the best care available, your loved one is indeed approaching the final stages of their life. Their care will continue, although the focus will shift from attempts at curing their condition, to that of making them feel as comfortable as possible.

Depending on the nature of the illness and the medical circumstances, the final stage period may last from a matter of days, weeks or months, to several years. During this time, palliative care measures can provide your loved one with medication and treatments to control their pain and certain other symptoms such as shortness of breath, constipation and nausea etc.

Most carers often find the last stages of life uniquely challenging, even if they have had years of experience. Simple acts of daily care are often combined with complex end of life decisions and painful feelings of bereavement and loss. End of life caregiving can require support to be made available from a variety of sources, such as home care providers, nursing home personnel, hospice & respite providers, your GP, practice nurse, and / or community nurse.

Palliative care may also be given by palliative care nurses or doctors in some places. This is called specialist palliative care. You could be at home, aged care facility, in a hospice or a palliative care ward in a hospital. You may move between these places as your medical and support needs change.

If you live in the country you may not have much access to specialist palliative care. Your GP and health service may be linked to a palliative care service in the city. They can seek specialist advice from them as needed.

If you require the services of a Hospice/Palliative Care provider, please use our Business Search Directory facility.