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End of life is considered to be the final stage of the journey of life. Care provided during this time may be called hospice care, supportive care, palliative care or symptom management. It involves the reliable, skilful care for dying people and those close to them. End-of-life care addresses physical, psychological, and spiritual concerns and focuses on comfort, respect for decisions, and support for the family.
Access to end-of-life care has become increasingly important as British Columbia’s population grows and ages, and as the prevalence of chronic disease rises. By 2036, the population is expected to increase to over 6 million people, with seniors accounting for almost a quarter of the population*. Where the end of life once commonly occurred after periods of brief, severe illnesses, it is now occurring later as people live longer with chronic illnesses.
The Ministry of Health considers high quality end-of-life care services to be a critical part of health care services in the province. The Ministry works closely with health authorities, physicians and health care providers, organizations, and community groups to make sure that British Columbians at the end of life and their families have the services they need.
In 2006, the Ministry of Health released the province’s policy document on end-of-life care: A Provincial Framework for End-of-Life Care (PDF 706K). The Ministry worked with experts, palliative care professionals, volunteers, and people across B.C. to create the framework for end-of-life care in the province. This framework is a guide used by health authorities, service providers, and communities in the development and delivery of end-of-life care services.
The Ministry of Health, six health authorities, and many other organizations support the planning and delivery of integrated end-of-life care across all clinical-delivery settings including community and acute hospital care, and support shared care between general practitioners and palliative care specialists. This integration improves continuity of care and transitions in care are made easier for individuals and families across settings.
The five regional health authorities provide a range of services to support the health care needs of people with life-limiting conditions and their families. Each health authority designs and operates its own end-of-life care services, including specialized teams that deliver interdisciplinary palliative care services to individuals in the community. The design of services and their geographical locations and reach are decided by the health authorities. The Provincial Health Services Agency (PHSA) provides additional supports and services to their clients and families, including services for end-of-life care.
B.C.'s health authorities all have some information on end-of-life care services. For more information, visit:
Many people would prefer to spend their final days at home, rather than in hospitals. The Ministry of Health and its partners plan services that support high quality end-of-life care at home. Home health services in communities throughout B.C. allow people to remain at home for as long as possible, including for death, or they delay or avoid hospital/residential care facility admission. These services include care co-ordination and consultation, community nursing services, community rehabilitation services, home support and respite for the caregiver. For more information on home health services, speak to your family physician or local health authority.
The Province of British Columbia developed the Joint Protocol For Expected/Planned Home Deaths in British Columbia to support individuals to die at home with their families or caregivers. Please read more about the Joint Protocol or speak to your community nurse or physician.
On September 1, 2011, advance directives became another new legal option for capable adults in British Columbia to do advance care planning to make their wishes known for their future health care treatment decisions. Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, and writing down, your wishes or instructions for future health care treatment in the event you become incapable of deciding for yourself. For more information about advance care planning, including how to make an advance care plan, name a Representative in a Representation Agreement, or to make an advance directive, visit the Ministry of Health Advance Care Planning page.
If you are a health care provider in B.C. and want to know more about B.C.’s health care consent laws, see the updated Health Care Providers’ Guide to Consent to Health Care (PDF 5.8M).
The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program supports B.C. residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening illness and want to receive medically-appropriate palliative care at home. ‘Home’ is wherever the person is living, whether in their own home, with family or friends, in a supportive or assisted living residence or hospice that is not a licensed residential care facility covered under PharmaCare Plan B.
The intent of BC Palliative Care Benefits Program is to allow patients to receive palliative care at home rather than be admitted to hospital. The program gives palliative patients access to receive the same drug benefits they would receive as if in hospital, and access to some medical supplies and equipment from their health authority.
The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program includes full coverage of approved medications (PharmaCare BC Palliative Care Drug Plan P) and equipment and supplies (upon referral to, and assessment by local health authority).
B.C. residents who are enrolled in the Medical Services Plan can request that their physician assess their eligibility for the program and submit an application on their behalf.
Services and Support for Palliative Care Clients, Family Members and Friends
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