End-of-life and palliative care services can help you and your family as you approach the end of your life. This care can be tailored to your cultural and religious beliefs.
You can receive care in hospital or at home#
Palliative care services are available to support both you and your family. Care can be provided in a hospital, in a hospice, or in your own home, depending on your needs and wishes.
Care that respects your culture and beliefs#
Communities are increasingly diverse, with people who come from many different countries, speak a wide range of languages and follow many different faiths. You may be from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, or be a refugee or asylum seeker.
Your community may have its own views, understandings and traditions about the end of life and about loss, grief and bereavement. Healthcare workers come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and can provide care that is respectful and culturally appropriate for you. Wherever possible, ask for an interpreter if you would feel more comfortable discussing your care in your own language.
Information in many languages#
Palliative care information is often available in languages other than English, including written materials and audio recordings you can listen to. These resources cover topics such as:
- Information for family members and carers
- What to expect in the last days of life
- Advance care planning
- Helping someone with a life-limiting illness to live well
Ask your healthcare team, palliative care service or local health service which translated resources are available in your language and how to access them.
Key points#
- End-of-life and palliative care services can support both you and your family
- Care can be provided in hospital, in a hospice or at home
- Care can be tailored to your cultural and religious beliefs
- Information and support are often available in many languages
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.