Resources for you
Following is a list of resources that we and other organizations have developed to assist you and your family.
Our resources
What to Expect in the Last Days of Life: A Guide for Caregivers
Knowing what to expect in the last days and hours of life can help you be better prepared. We developed this guide to help caregivers care for themselves and their loved one during their last days and hours together at home. This guide:
- explains the physical changes your loved one may experience in their last days and hours of life
- provides practical tips on how to make your loved one more comfortable
- suggests ways you can look after yourself during this challenging time
- outlines what to do when your loved one dies.
We have created two versions. The first is written for when someone is dying at home. This is available in a number of different languages:
The second version is written for when someone is dying in hospital. This is currently available in English only.
Additional resources
Canadian Virtual Hospice
The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about palliative and end-of-life care to patients, family members, health-care providers, researchers and educators.
The Topics section of the site provides information on a range of topics, including:
emotional and spiritual health
identifying and managing symptoms
assistance with providing care to your loved one
tips for visiting
practical advice on how to make difficult decisions
suggestions on how to get financial assistance, if needed.
Their Support section provides you with the opportunity to:
ask a health professional any questions you may have
review the questions that people have asked before, along with the answers
chat with other people who are in a similar situation through their discussion boards
read the stories of others who have experienced the death of a loved one
watch videos and listen to podcasts about palliative care and the experiences of others.
You may also want to refer the members of your health-care team to the Health-care Professional section of the site.
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association is the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. Advancing and advocating for quality end-of-life/hospice palliative care in Canada, its work includes public policy, public education and awareness.
Key areas of interest for patients and caregivers include:
- a directory of hospice palliative care services across Canada
- a marketplace of available hospice palliative care resources and information materials for health-care providers, volunteers, and family and informal caregivers.
