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Understanding the dying process

What happens when a person is dying? It is very difficult to predict exactly what will happen. Some people deteriorate rapidly, slip into unconsciousness and die within hours. Some people are awake and alert right to the time of death. Others may be in and out of consciousness over a...

Managing the final stages of dying

What are the final stages of dying? Managing the final stages of dying involves careful planning. It’s important the person’s wishes are respected. As a family member or carer, you will be supporting the person through the process. When asked, most Australians say they wish to die in their homes...

Palliative care

What is palliative care? Palliative care is a specific type of care for people who have a life-limiting illness. Palliative care helps you, or your loved one, to live as comfortably as possible and achieve the best possible quality of life. Your GP can arrange your care and it may...

Advance care planning

What is advance care planning? Advance care planning is for people at any age. It is making a plan for your future medical care. If one day you are too unwell to make decisions or communicate, your doctors can refer to your plan. Planning now for your future care can...

Voluntary assisted dying in NSW

What is voluntary assisted dying? Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) means a person can ask for medical help to end their life. The law in New South Wales says for a person to access VAD, they must: Be an adult (18 years or older) Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or...

Sleep disturbance in palliative care

What is sleep disturbance in palliative care? People nearing the end of their lives may have trouble sleeping. There are many reasons why sleep disturbances occur. Sleep disturbances can be a symptom of the disease getting worse. People may also have trouble sleeping due to pain, depression, anxiety or the...

Self-care for families and carers in palliative care

What is self-care for families and carers in palliative care? Caring for someone who has a life-limiting illness is hard but rewarding. It is normal to feel very upset during this time. You may also feel scared, helpless, confused, worried and shocked. As a carer, your effort will play a...

Palliative care pain management

What is palliative care pain management? More than 65% of palliative care patients experience a form of pain from mild to severe, depending on their specific condition. People may notice more pain as they reach the final years of life. Most pain can be controlled or relieved. It is normal...

End-stage respiratory disease

What is end-stage respiratory disease? End-stage respiratory disease is when a lung disease reaches a stage where the person with the disease is likely to die within a year. Treatment is no longer able to make the person better and instead aims to relieve symptoms. It helps the person with...

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