End-of-life care: Promoting comfort, choice and well-being for older people

This report explores the current state of end-of-life care policy and practice in the UK. It focuses in particular on the experiences of older people and incorporates their views and the views of caregivers. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, analysis of data from a funded study, and the outcomes of a consultation exercise with older people, the report identifies the range of patterns and circumstances of death and dying in old age; outlines the current policy and practice context; compares the experiences of older people who receive specialist palliative care and those who do not; and explores key issues in older people's accounts of death, dying and bereavement, including their practical, social and spiritual concerns. The issues raised will feed into current debates such as those around palliative health and end-of-life care, and right-to-die legislation. (REPORT)