End of life issues: nursing, treatments and procedures
The person you're looking after may have to undergo one or more types of treatment during the course of their illness. Carers will often need to help prepare for treatments, as well as cope with the immediate effects. This article explains some of the treatments that the patient may need, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Read more about End of life issues: nursing, treatments and procedures
Start talking about your illness
Talking with your loved ones about your illness or the fact that you are dying, can help to broach feelings of isolation. Here are tips on how you can start the conversation, things you might want to say and where to find more information. Read more about Start talking about your illness
Coping with a terminal illness
There is no right or wrong way to feel when you hear bad news about your condition. You might feel numb at first, or strangely calm and matter of fact. This article provides advice on what to do if you need to talk to someone or if you are feeling... Read more about Coping with a terminal illness
Organ and tissue donation
It is important that you decide whether to become an organ donor and that you discuss and share your decision with your loved ones. We have put together a list of questions to help you find answers and address worries around this topic. Read more about Organ and tissue donation
Grief before death
Finding out that someone you care for has a terminal disease can leave you feeling powerless and devastated. Carers often grieve even though the person they're caring for is still alive. Find out about some of these emotions and how to cope better. Read more about Grief before death More about end of life health
Our partners have a range of high quality, trusted health information about end of life issues on their websites. Here are some articles that might interest you.
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Being there for a sick friendPalliative care services in AustraliaCommunication tipsCourse of illnessCoping with change - loss and griefSelf-care conceptsComplementary therapiesHas someone close to you died by suicide?
Last reviewed:
February, 2013
286 trusted resources for end of life
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End of Life
CareSearchThe following pages may be of assistance to you in ensuring that your decisions and wishes are known by those close to you.
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End-of-life care
CareSearchThere is no clear cut definition of the 'end of life'. In general it refers to the last few days of life when a person is irreversibly dying, also known as the terminal phase.
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Preparing for the end
CareSearchPeople may only have a limited understanding of what 'the end' means. Knowing what to expect can help take some of the fear and anxiety away. Being prepared can help a person feel more in control.
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Caring at the end
CareSearchOver time as the illness progresses, there may be more caring needs. There may also be new symptoms or symptoms may change in frequency and severity.
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Music therapy for end-of-life care
Australasian Cochrane CentreMusic therapy is increasingly used in end-of-life care, with a growing number of music therapists being employed in hospices and hospital-based palliative care programs each year. Music therapy in end-of-life care aims to improve a person's quality of l...
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Home-based end of life care
Australasian Cochrane CentreA number of countries have invested in health services to provide care at home to patients with a terminal illness who wish to die at home. This investment is backed by surveys of the preferences of the general public and patients with a terminal illnes...
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End-of-life care pathways for the dying
Australasian Cochrane CentreEnd-of-life pathways are used for people who are in the last days of their life to guide care; aid decision making; and provide efficient care. This review examined whether using end-of-life care pathways in caring for the dying was effective. No studie...
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Interventions for supporting family and friends of patients at the end of life
Australasian Cochrane CentreFamily and friends are often central to the care of patients at the end of life. While providing such informal care can generate strong positive emotions, caring can be extremely stressful both mentally and physically. Support strategies are being devel...
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The end of self-harm
ReachOut.comThis is the story of one young girl and the strength she gained from confronting the complex emotions behind the urge to self-harm.
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Statement relating to the relief of pain and suffering and end of life decisions
Australian and New Zealand College of AnaesthetistsANZCA Council and the Boards of Faculties support the concept of death with dignity and comfort, and the right of terminally ill patients to receive expert palliative care.