Talking about dying and death is in everybody's interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.
Hospices support people by providing care at the end of their lives. This type of care includes what is sometimes called palliative care. It helps people with an incurable illness to live as well as possible until they die.
Many hospices can also provide advice on managing the symptoms of a disease or illness, including pain, to make people as comfortable as possible. They can also help with counselling, family support and outpatient services.
Hospices for people with an incurable illness who live in East Sussex include:
Advice for carers
If you look after somebody with an incurable illness, we can offer advice about getting all the help you need in your caring role including:
- carer's assessment: a chance for you to talk to us about your caring role so we can check that you're getting all the help you need
- financial support: find out about the Carers Allowance, Carers Credit, Direct Payments and the Carers Personal Budget as well as general financial advice
- emergency support: If you are worried about what would happen if you were involved in an emergency and couldn't provide care, you may be able to take advantage of our Carers Respite Emergency Service (CRESS)
- home-based respite care: our home-based respite care service gives you the chance to have some time for yourself: visit the doctor, get your hair done, or go to a training course.
Dealing with death
Dying shouldn't be a conversation stopper. The Dying Matters coalition exists to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviour around death. They can help you plan and talk openly about dying.
What to do when someone dies
We've collected together some help and advice about how to register a death, what to do after a bereavement, civil funerals and remembrance services:
East Sussex County Council