End-of-Life Care
Last updated on November 27, 2017Many individuals would prefer to spend their final days at home, rather than in hospital. End-of-life care is supportive, compassionate care that improves the quality of life of people who are dying and their families, up to and including bereavement. End-of-life care addresses the physical, psychological, and spiritual concerns of the person who is dying and focuses on comfort, respect for decisions, and support for the family. It is provided wherever the individual is living, whether at home, in hospital, an assisted living residence, a hospice, or a residential care facility.
The Ministry of Health and health authorities, along with physicians and others, plan and deliver hospice palliative and end-of-life care. Family physicians and palliative care specialists may provide shared care to ensure patients receive the medical care they need, especially when symptoms or stages of illness change. Community-based services deliver integrated care that is sensitive to the changing needs of patients and their families. Palliative patients in BC are also eligible to receive benefits through the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program, including palliative medications through PharmaCare Plan P and some supplies and equipment free through the local health authority.
See the Home and Community Care website for more information about:
The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program helps BC residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home. For more information, see the:
- BC Palliative Care Benefits Program section on our PharmaCare page.
Advance Care Planning
Whenever possible, it is best to prepare for end-of-life care before you need it. If you or a loved one would like to take time now to make decisions about future end-of-life care services, see: