Grandmother and grandson blowing bubbles at a park

Palliative and end-of-life care

We provide a range of palliative and end-of-life support and services for people living with serious illness, including their families, loved ones, and caregivers. Palliative and end-of-life care focus on maximizing comfort and quality of life while following each person’s values, beliefs and wishes.

Palliative care is an approach to care for people living with serious illness.

As part of primary care, palliative care helps individuals improve their understanding of a serious illness, manage symptoms and maximize their quality-of-life. It considers the whole person, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.

Palliative care also includes offering support for families, loved ones and caregivers.

A person may receive palliative care while also choosing to receive treatment aimed at curing their serious illness. These two approaches are not mutually exclusive and can be complementary.

Learn more about palliative care

End-of-life care supports people before, during and after death.

End-of-life care supports clients, their families and caregivers before, during and after death. It focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

Your care team will discuss your health, goals, and wishes to ensure you receive the right services and support.

Different services are available before, during and after death depending on where care is received.

Personal home
Long-term care
Hospice
Hospital

Making a decision about end-of-life care preferences may take time as you reflect on your situation and wishes. Your choice is not final, your team will aim to honour your wishes even if they change.

Choosing what is right for you

The following questions may be helpful to consider as you think about and discuss your care options with the people closest to you and your care team:

What does quality of life mean to me as I near my end of life?
How much care will I need as my health declines?
What kind of support will be helpful?
What type of environment provides me with comfort and peace of mind?
What would ease the minds of those close to me?

Palliative and end-of-life services

Palliative or End-of-Life Care in Your Home

Many people prefer to spend their final days at home, surrounded by familiar fa…
Palliative Care in Long-Term Care Homes

Long-term care homes are for people with serious illnesses or declining health …
Palliative Care in Hospitals

Hospitals specialize in diagnosing and treating illnesses or symptoms. Typicall…
Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Hospices

Hospice care helps people who are very sick in the final stages of life, focusi…
Palliative Care through Outpatient Clinics and Programs

For people who can leave their homes, some communities offer outpatient palliat…

a senior couple using a laptop on the sofa at home

We are here to help

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a serious illness or is nearing the end of their life, our care team will help determine your care needs and connect you to the services, programs and resources that are right for you.

How to access palliative or end-of-life care

Is there a cost for palliative or end-of-life care?

There may be a cost for palliative or end-of-life care depending on the type of services you require.

There is no cost for community nursing or rehabilitation services if you receive care at home. Some medications and palliative supplies, and equipment are available free of charge for eligible patients through B.C. Palliative Care Benefits. In addition, there is no cost for home support services if you are enrolled with B.C. Palliative Care Benefits.

Learn more about B.C. Palliative Care Benefits

If you require publicly subsidized hospice care, you will pay a fixed daily rate per day. The daily rate for short-stay services is adjusted each year. It is calculated by multiplying the minimum monthly rate for long-term care services by 12 months and dividing it by 365 days.

Publicly subsidized home and community care services in B.C.