End of Life

People can and do survive strokes that damage large areas or vital parts of the brain. But sometimes a more serious stroke might lead to someone becoming very unwell, or their life being at risk. The medical team should help you to understand what is happening and what treatment they are giving. With rapid medical help, many people can survive an initial stroke.

Appropriate and timely treatment, care and rehabilitation can allow people to make the best recovery possible for them. But even with good care, a severe stroke may leave someone with serious disabilities or unable to live independently. Very occasionally a stroke can be catastrophic enough that someone may not survive the initial days.

Palliative care, which is sometimes called end of life care, is support for people who won’t recover from an illness. This care can last for as long as it is needed and could be days, months or longer. It should help the person live well for as long as they can and die with dignity.
The aim of palliative care is to maximise your quality of life by treating and relieving the symptoms and side effects of your illness, combined with supporting you and your family/carer practically and emotionally.

Accepting a referral simply means you will receive additional support to promote your quality of life, based on your individual choices, so you can live as fully as possible for as long as possible. It can be provided alongside active treatment of your condition such as chemotherapy.

“Palliative care services actively promote choice and control over personal decisions, putting you at the centre of everything.”

This can mean managing pain and symptoms, as well as psychological, spiritual and social support for the person and their family.