end of life diginity

Maintaining a patient’s dignity and autonomy is the cornerstone of compassionate end-of-life care. This article provides practical approaches for care teams, underpinned by documented preferences. It covers respecting cultural and spiritual rituals, honouring personal routines (like favourite music or reading), managing symptoms in line with patient priorities (e.g., preferring alertness over total sedation), and facilitating meaningful final conversations. When these personal values are recorded and accessible, they guide daily care decisions, big and small. This ensures the patient remains an active individual in their care, fostering a sense of control and peace during a vulnerable time.