Your GP, hospital doctor or other healthcare team can help you prepare for end-of-life care.
You can discuss:
- what needs you may have in the last months or weeks of life
- what kind of care you may need
- support for you and your family
Where you can have end-of-life care
You can have end-of life care in:
- your home
- a hospital
- a hospice
- a nursing home or care home
- another place you live
Some people may have end-of-life care in more than 1 place. For example, you may stay at home most of the time and have short stays in a hospital or hospice.
Care at home
End-of life care at home is usually managed by your GP.
If you want care at home, your GP will ask you about your needs. You can discuss what support you may need to stay at home. Your GP can also talk to your family or carers if you give consent.
Depending on your needs, they may recommend support from other professionals, such as:
- public health nurses
- home help services
- a specialist palliative care team
- specialist healthcare workers - such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists
- social workers
There are some situations where you may not be able to die at home. For example, if you need lots of medical equipment or if you wish to be an organ donor. But your GP can help support you to stay at home as long as possible if that is your wish.
Care in hospital
End-of-life care in a hospital is usually managed by your hospital doctor.
Trained staff can look after you day and night.
The hospital team will:
- ask you about your needs and wishes
- provide support for your family and friends
- make sure you have privacy
You can also talk to the hospital team if you are staying in hospital but wish to die at home. They can discuss your situation and check that there are no risks to your safety or wellbeing if you go home.
Care in a hospice
A hospice is a type of specialist palliative care unit.
You can:
- stay in a hospice (inpatient)
- have appointments at a hospice (outpatient)
- go to the hospice for care programmes, regular reviews, support groups or other activities (day services)
To access hospice care, you need a referral from your GP or hospital doctor. But you can contact a hospice directly to talk to them about their services.
If there is no hospice in your area, there may be support beds in community hospitals or nursing homes.
Care in a nursing home
End-of-life care in a nursing home is usually managed by the nursing home team. Depending on your needs, they may also get advice from your GP or a palliative care team.
Nursing home staff can look after you day and night.
But you need to check if the nursing home:
- has a place available
- can meet your care needs
Finding the right nursing home
The Fair Deal scheme can help towards the cost of a nursing home.
Thinking about what you want
There are things to think about when you are deciding what type of care you want.
You can discuss these wishes with other people or write it in a document.
Your GP or hospital doctor can help if you want to record wishes about medical treatment.
Recording wishes for your care
Where you want to have care
Your options may depend on the type of medical care or support you need. Ask your GP or hospital team about your options for end-of-life care.
They may ask about:
- your home - for example, if you have a toilet or bed downstairs
- support you already have - for example, from family, friends or home help
You may also want to talk to your family and friends. Dying is a natural process but your family and friends may worry about caring for someone who is dying. They may need more information and support.
Who you want with you
You can speak with your family and friends about the visits you may want towards the end of life.
For example, you may like visits from:
- friends
- a faith leader
- pets
You can also tell people when you need time alone to rest.
Other things you may want
You may want specific things during end-of-life care.
For example:
- items from your home such as photographs
- music or games you enjoy
- to spend time outdoors if possible
- to eat certain foods
Get support for end-of-life care
Your GP or hospital team can tell you about organisations that provide end-of-life support for your condition.
Irish Hospice Foundation
The Irish Hospice Foundation has an information and support line for end-of-life care. It can help you find practical supports and resources about end-of-life care in Ireland.
Freephone: 1800 60 70 66
Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm
Email: support@hospicefoundation.ie
Website: hospicefoundation.ie
Think ahead planning pack
The Irish Hospice Foundation has a planning pack about recording your wishes.
Get a planning pack - hospicefoundation.ie
Dying well at home course for carers
Dying well at home is a free course that provides information if you are:
- thinking about providing end-of-life care
- supporting someone nearing the end of life
You can do the course online at your own pace. It has 7 lessons that last around 15 minutes each.
Dying well at home - elearninghospicefoundation.ie
Financial support
We have schemes and allowances that can help with healthcare and support costs.
You can also get information from: