Facing end of life

Caring for someone at the end of life

Overview

Even when you know the end of life is approaching for a family member or friend, you might not feel prepared. 

This section covers the practical, emotional and physical issues to expect, and explains how you can provide comfort and support. At any stage, you can call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for information and support. 

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Coping as a carer

Looking after a person who is dying can be stressful. It’s common to feel like you don’t know what to do, what to say and how to cope.

If you’ve never been around someone who is dying before, learning what to expect can help you feel less frightened and confused, and allow you to manage the challenges ahead. If you have a complicated relationship with the person, end-of-life caring can be especially difficult.

To find out more, see Caring for someone with cancer and listen to Cancer Council's podcast episode Caring for Someone in Their Last Months.

 

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