As older people near the end of life, changes in the body, underlying illnesses, and treatments themselves can cause unexpected symptoms. Early assessment and management of these symptoms can make a major difference to a person’s quality of life.
This page provides suggestions for managing some of the most common symptoms you will encounter in palliative and end-of-life care.
The CareSearch Clinical Evidence Summaries provide the evidence basis for their pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
Older people and their families can read about symptoms in the CareSearch Community Centre or at CarerHelp
Common symptoms in life-limiting illness
- Anxiety
- Appetite and weight loss
- Constipation
- Delirium
- Depression
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dyspnoea (breathlessness)
- Nausea
- Pain
- Respiratory secretions
- Skin changes
- Terminal restlessness
General principles
In managing symptoms:
- Determine likely causes and relationships between symptoms (e.g., pain and poor sleep)
- Consider symptom impact on the person’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual life. Tools such as the Symptom Assessment Scale and Visual Analogue Scale may be useful.
- Involve the multidisciplinary team
- Weigh the potential benefits and burdens of each management approach
- Consider treatments capable of managing more than one symptom
- Use the least burdensome route of drug administration
- Provide psychological and emotional support
- Develop a plan with the person that fits their prognosis, preferences and goals of care
- Involve family and carers in care planning and ensure they have clear instructions and access to further information or support if needed
- Always anticipate and plan for new or worsening symptoms [1]
Page created 08 January 2025