End of life care
End of life care is support for people who may be in the last months or years of their life. The aim is to help you live as well as possible for as long as possible, and to die with dignity. Care should reflect what matters to you and respect your wishes. Support will also be available for the people close to you.
Care can begin whenever you feel it would help, after a diagnosis that cannot be cured.
What end of life care can include
End of life care may involve:
- care at home, in a care home or in a hospice
- help to manage pain and other symptoms
- emotional and practical support
- support for family members, carers and others important to you
Care may be provided by health professionals, social care staff, voluntary organisations or a combination of services.
Your wishes and preferences
Your views, values and choices should guide your care. This can include preferences about:
- where you want to be cared for
- who you want involved in decisions
- what matters most to you as your needs change
Open conversations can help others understand what is important to you now and in the future.
Hospices in Dorset
There are four hospices in Dorset:
Each hospice offers specialist end of life care and support for both the person who is dying and the people close to them.
How to find hospice or end of life support
A GP or district nurse can help you find the right hospice or end of life support for your needs. Hospice UK also provides a hospice care finder to help you find services near you.
Further information and support
The following organisations offer information, advice and support related to end of life care:
- The NHS has guidance on end of life care
- Marie Curie offers care, guidance and support for people with a terminal illness and their families
- Dying Matters provides information about planning ahead and local support
- Macmillan Cancer Support offers support for people affected by cancer and those close to them
These organisations can work alongside local health and care services.