The main difference between end of life care and palliative care is that palliative care is provided to people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness but may still have years of life ahead of them. End of life care seeks to minimise pain and suffering for people whose death is imminent.
It is about helping to treat, manage symptoms and offer support for people on their deathbed. End of life care is not limited to the hospital but can be offered in your own home, in a respite facility or a residential aged care facility.
End of life care can also include organising the practical elements surrounding someone’s death or incapacitation. It could involve discussing a medical or financial Power of Attorney, creating an advanced care directive dictating what medical treatments or decisions are appropriate or creating a Will.