For a patient nearing the end of their life, it’s common for the people around them to treat it as a sombre affair and avoid bringing mortality issues up. Perhaps this is why we tend to avoid talking about matters related to death and even after, and why it’s even seen as a taboo to write a will. However, end-of-life care is a real type of health care provided to these patients, regardless of whichever reason. In general, people who are at this stage of life require care in 4 areas: practical tasks, physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, as well as spiritual issues. This health care is aimed at maintaining the quality of life while dealing with legal matters, with a key component to help the patient die with dignity. Despite 40 million people who need palliative care, which encompasses end-of-life care, only around 14% of them receive it. In Singapore, we face an ageing population that further exacerbates the need for end-of-life care. This form of health care is needed for an extensive range of diseases, particularly those who have chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. Benefits of End-of-life Care Boosts the Quality of Life End-of-life care can boost patients’ and their families’ quality of life, particularly those who experience challenges linked to life-threatening sicknesses. It also improves the quality of life of caregivers at the same time. Prevents and Alleviates Suffering Through the early-stage distinguishing of issues that go beyond physical symptoms, it can prevent and ease suffering. Identifying the various problems and using accurate assessment and treatment can contribute to this. Apart from these benefits, end-of-life care also puts the patient as the topmost priority, helps the patient understand and link treatment plans to their individual goals, relieves the stress experienced by the patient’s family, and many more. Home-based End-of-life Care Contrary to popular belief, end-of-life care doesn’t always take place in a nursing home or hospital. There is also home-based care that involves the participation of various healthcare professionals. A large percentage of Singaporeans express their preference to pass away at home, despite actual statistics of deaths at home being much lower. Home-based care allows people to get the care needed in the comforts of home, surrounded by the people they love. It’s a welcomed option for people that raises the percentage of those dying at home instead of a hospital facility. It may contribute to greater patient satisfaction as well. D&CMed offers end-of-life care for patients in the final stage of their life. Our house doctor can provide you with the necessary assistance required at home, right where you’ll feel the most reassured. Our doctor near Singapore is always ready to help and care for you or your loved one where needed.