PALLIATIVE CARE

End of life care should begin when you need it, this may last a few days, months or years.

End of life care can benefit people in many different situations. Some may be expected to die within the next few hours or days, while others receive end of life care over many months.

People considered to be approaching the end of life are likely to die within the next 12 months, although this is not always possible to predict. This includes people whose death is imminent, as well as people who:

• have an advanced incurable illness, such as dementia, motor neurone disease or cancer.

• are generally frail and have co-existing conditions, that means they are expected to die within 12 months

• have existing conditions, are at risk of dying from a sudden crisis in their condition

• have a life-threatening acute condition caused by a sudden traumatic event, such as an accident or stroke

Palliative care, if you have an illness that cannot be cured, makes you as comfortable as possible by managing your pain and other distressing symptoms. Also involving psychological, social and spiritual support for you and your family. This is called a holistic approach, because it deals with you as a "whole" person, not just your illness or symptoms.

Palliative care is not just for end of life care, you may receive palliative care earlier in your illness while you are still receiving other therapies to treat your condition.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on the care of dying adults in the last days of life. This guidance covers how to manage common symptoms, as well as dignity and respect for the dying person and their relatives.