Australian end-of-life answers
Quiet clarity for difficult questions.
Find plain-language information about dying, palliative care, caring, grief, treatment decisions and voluntary assisted dying.
Featured articles
The Dying ProcessHow can I tell if someone is dying?
You may be able to tell someone is dying by looking at the whole pattern of change.
Planning AheadWhat do I do if something frightening happens at 2 am?
If something frightening happens overnight, first check whether the person is in immediate danger.
VADAm I eligible for voluntary assisted dying?
You may be eligible for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) only if you meet all the legal rules where you live, and if the required health practitioners assess you as eligible.
Palliative CareDoes morphine make someone die sooner?
No, morphine does not usually make someone die sooner when it is prescribed and used carefully for pain or breathlessness in palliative care.
Planning AheadWe've just been told the illness is terminal. What happens next?
Being told an illness is terminal means the treating doctor believes it cannot be cured and is likely to cause the person's death.
Explore by Topic
Symptoms
Changes, symptoms and medicines near the end of life.
The Dying Process
What families may notice as death becomes closer.
Palliative Care
Care focused on comfort, support and quality of life.
Planning Ahead
Treatment choices, documents and practical preparation.
VAD
Voluntary assisted dying information and pathways.
Caring for Someone
Support for people caring for someone who is dying.
Talking About Dying
Conversations with family, children and treating teams.
Grief & Bereavement
Grief, bereavement and support after loss.
After a Death
What happens after death and practical next steps.
Latest published articles
View allACT advance care planning, health directions and enduring powers of attorney
In the ACT, advance care planning commonly uses an Enduring Power of Attorney, Statement of Choices and Health Direction.
AustraliaAm I eligible for voluntary assisted dying?
You may be eligible for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) only if you meet all the legal rules where you live, and if the required health practitioners assess you as eligible.
AustraliaAre they suffering when breathing becomes noisy, irregular or stops for periods?
Noisy or irregular breathing near death can be very upsetting to hear, but it does not always mean the person is suffering.
AustraliaAt what stage might someone with early dementia still be able to access VAD?
A person with early dementia may only be able to access VAD if they still have capacity and meet all other legal criteria, which can be a narrow and uncertain window.
AustraliaCan a dying person feel the secretions in their throat?
A dying person may not feel throat secretions if they are deeply sleepy or unconscious, but comfort still needs to be checked.
AustraliaCan a facility stop a VAD practitioner from visiting me?
Whether a facility can stop a VAD practitioner visiting depends on state or territory law and the type of facility.