Questions to ask about care in the last days of life

Information for the public

What help can I get for symptoms such as pain, sickness, breathlessness, anxiety, confusion, agitation and noisy breathing?
Can I refuse or ask for a particular treatment?
Why have I been offered a particular type of treatment? How long will it take to work?
Are there any side effects to the treatments I am being offered?
What happens if the treatment I'm offered makes me feel too sleepy?
Will my care be different depending on where I'm being cared for?
Can I choose where I wish to die?
What happens if I change my mind about earlier decisions I made about my care?
Can I choose who stays with me as I near the end of my life?
Is there someone I can talk to about my fears and anxiety?
If I am given a 'just in case' box, does it mean I am going to develop symptoms?
What will happen if I become too ill to make my own decisions?
Will having fluids through a tube or drip help me at the end of my life?

What can I do to help and support the person who is dying?
Is there any additional support available that I as a carer might benefit from or be entitled to?
Will I be kept informed of the person's wishes?
Will I be told when the person is likely to die?
Does the person who is dying need to be told that they are in the last days of life?