End of life care is special care given to people who are very sick and might not get better. It helps them feel as comfortable as possible and spend time with their loved ones.
When someone is very sick, they might not be able to do everything they used to. End of life care makes sure they are not in pain and have everything they need, like:
- Medicine
- Comfortable beds
- People to talk to
Many different people can help with end of life care:
- Doctors and nurses: They give medicine and check on the person.
- Caregivers: They help with everyday things like eating and bathing.
- Family members: They spend time with the person, talk to them, and show love.
End of life care can happen in different places:
- At home: Some people want to stay in their own homes.
- Hospitals: There are special sections for end of life care.
- Hospice care centres: These are places that are just for people who need end of life care.
How can you help?
Even if you’re young, there are ways you can help too.
- Spend time together: Talk, play games, or just sit quietly.
- Share memories: Tell stories about fun times you’ve had together.
- Be kind and patient: Sometimes, just being there is enough.
How might you feel?
It’s normal to have many different feelings when someone you love is very sick:
- Sad: Because you care about them.
- Angry: Because it’s not fair that they are sick.
- Confused: Because you don’t understand everything that’s happening.
- Scared: Because you don’t know what will happen next.
It’s okay to ask questions
If you have questions, it’s always okay to ask. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
- Why is my family member getting end of life care?
- Can I help in any way?
- What should I expect to happen next?
Talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or nurse, can help you understand and feel better.