Blog Posts: End of life care

We sometimes hear people wishing for a “good” death. But what does it mean exactly?

A "bucket list" is a list of things you want to do or accomplish before you die. It can be a very good framework for thinking about your life goals, your health and your mortality, and discussing about it could help advance care planning.

If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other traumatic event, you may still be struggling to grieve. Can rituals used in a therapeutic setting help people overcome prolonged and complicated grief?

We have been witnessing the emergence of a new profession related to end-of-life care: the end-of-life doulas (sometimes referred as "death doulas"). End-of-life doulas offer continuous support and comfort to people at the end of life and their families.

Why is being involved in discussions and decision-making about your own health important? Research highlights three benefits for individuals and their caregivers.

Advance care planning and having discussions about end-of-life care with family members and healthcare providers can have positive impacts for everyone involved.

Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities?

The latest research shows healthcare providers and their elderly patients find it difficult to talk about end-of-life prognosis and preferences for care. Dr. John You – a doctor and expert in end-of-life communication – shares his perspective.

Patients who have an advance care plan are less likely to receive unwanted intensive care in hospital. Dr. Michelle Howard – an expert in end-of-life communication – provides a professional view on the topic and citizen contributor Diane shares her personal experience.

Home palliative care – provided by specially trained health professionals – increases the likelihood of a patient dying at home and may even help to ease symptoms.

Families of older adults continue to provide the vast majority of care for their members when necessary. Changes in modern society necessitate support for them from the formal healthcare system.