There will come a time when you need to think about the last years, months, weeks, or days of life. Thinking and talking about the end of life can be difficult, so take your time reading this information.
This information is for people with a long-term lung condition who are coming to the end of their life. It’s also for those who are close to them, including carers, family, and friends.
If you have more questions or just want to chat, our friends at Marie Curie provide information and emotional support if you're living with or caring for someone who has a terminal illness. You can also call our helpline on 0300 222 5800.
Thinking and planning ahead
Planning ahead allows you to think about how you want to be cared for in the future. Here, we explain what you can do to prepare for end of life, and things you might want to talk to your family, carer, or health care team about.
Advance care planning
Advance care planning is a way to tell others what’s important to you and how you would like to be cared for if you’re unable to tell them yourself. We explain what your advance care planning might include.
Emotions and sharing your thoughts
It’s normal to experience many emotions in the final stages of a long-term lung disease. We explore the different emotions you and your loved ones might be experiencing towards the end of life.
How do I talk to children and young people?
It can be difficult to know how to talk about the end of life with children or grandchildren. We describe what you can do to help you talk to children about dying and death.
Dealing with spiritual needs at the end of life
We all have our own traditions, beliefs or questions about our lives. Towards the end of life, you may become more aware of these feelings, or your beliefs might change.
What are the physical signs in the last weeks or days?
How can you tell when someone with a long-term lung condition is entering the last stage of life? We explain the physical signs of the final stages and ways these symptoms can be controlled. We also explain what to expect in the final days.
How do I care for a loved one at the end of life?
It can be difficult to see death approaching for someone you love or care about. We explain how you can care for a loved one at the end of their life, how your role as a carer will change and the support that’s available to help you cope.
What do I do at the time of death?
We explain what happens when a person dies, including arranging the funeral and bereavement support after the death of a loved one.
Where can I get more help?
Thinking and talking about the end of life can be difficult. Take your time. The organisations on this page can also give you further help.
What practical things should I think about?
We explain the practical things you might want to think about when approaching end of life, including making a will, putting your affairs in order and organ donation.
Glossary of terms used about the end of life
Read our glossary of terms used about the end of life.
Talking to loved ones about death
It can be difficult to talk to loved ones about death. On this page, we give advice on how to talk to loved ones about the end of life.