End-of-life services, also known as hospice and palliative care, are specialised forms of healthcare and support provided to individuals who are facing a life-limiting illness or who are in the final stages of life. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals who are terminally ill, relieve their pain and discomfort, and offer emotional and spiritual support for both the patients and their families.

Here are some key aspects of end-of-life services:

1. Hospice Care: Hospice care is a type of end-of-life care that focuses on providing comfort and support rather than attempting to cure the underlying illness. It is typically provided to individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice facility, or in some cases, in a hospital.

2. Palliative Care: Palliative care is a broader approach to providing comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses, not just those in the final stages of life. Palliative care can begin at the time of diagnosis and continue alongside curative treatment. It addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

3. Pain and Symptom Management: End-of-life services focus on managing pain and other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety, to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible.

4. Emotional and Psychological Support: Both patients and their families receive emotional and psychological support to cope with the emotional challenges and stress associated with the end of life. This support can come from counsellors, social workers, or chaplains.

5. Spiritual and Existential Support: Patients and their families are often offered spiritual and existential guidance and counselling to address spiritual and philosophical concerns and help them find meaning in the process.

6. Bereavement Support: End-of-life services also provide support to the family and loved ones of the deceased during the grieving process.

7. Holistic Care: These services take a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the physical and medical needs but also the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the patient’s well-being.