This booklet is also available for download,
see below for details
This can be read by both you and the people caring for you, and may help you both to discuss the information together after you have read it. You may find it difficult to read all the sections in one sitting, so you may prefer to dip into different sections at different times, when you feel able to do so.
Chapters
- Being looked after at home
- The last few weeks of life
- The last few days of life
- Nearing death
- Care after death
- National organisations that can help
- Credits and disclaimer
At the bottom of each page you'll find a list of useful links as well as links to download sections of this document, or the booklet in its entirety.
Before you start, you may want to read our checklist of issues to consider.
Introduction
Knowing what to expect when someone nears the end of life is vitally important - both for the person who’s ill and for their family and friends.
Feelings of pain and loss are unavoidable, but having the right information can help us to prepare for the physical and emotional changes that we might experience.
It can be very upsetting and shocking to be told that your illness cannot be cured, and you may need help and support to cope with this news.
Your partner, family members and friends may also need support and advice, so some of this information has been written for them. For simplicity throughout these pages, partners, family members and friends are referred to as carers.
The information can be read by both you and the people caring for you. It may help you both to discuss the information together after you have read it. You may find it difficult to read all the sections in one sitting, so you may prefer to dip into different sections at different times, when you feel able to do so.
There are many support services to help you cope with what may be a difficult time and details of these are included throughout the site, as well as a comprehensive list of national organisations that can help.
This information was orginally published as a booklet. If you would prefer, you can download a pdf of the full booklet.
Paper copies of End of Life - The Facts can be ordered from Marie Curie Cancer Care on 0800 716 146.
