Looking after yourself when you look after people at the end of their life

Increasingly, allied health professionals and nurses are supporting a diverse range of clients with palliative care needs. Palliative care is holistic care that helps people nearing the end of their life to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Palliative care supports the person, their family and carers and can include bereavement support following death. The aim is to allow people to experience each moment at the end of life more fully through effective management of pain and other symptoms, and assessment and management of their psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs. It is key for allied health professionals and nurses working with people at or approaching the end of their life to understand the importance and implications of communication, self-care and reflective practice.