Written by Jennifer Yeung
As Canada’s population continues to age, conversations around end-of-life care and planning are becoming increasingly important. By 2037, the number of Canadians aged 65 years and older is expected to grow by 68%, making it even more important for families to understand how to best support their loved ones during this stage of life [1].
End-of-life care encompasses a range of services designed to support individuals and their loved ones through illness, the final stages of life, and the grieving process. While each stage of care are often used interchangeably, each serves a unique purpose.
➢ Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for individuals living with serious illness by managing symptoms, relieving suffering, and addressing physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs [2].
➢ Hospice care is typically provided during the final months of life when the focus shifts entirely toward comfort and preserving dignity, rather than curative treatment [3].
➢ Bereavement support refers to services that help individuals and families cope with grief following the loss of a loved one [4].
While each stage of care looks different, the goal remains the same— supporting quality of life.
Occupational therapists (OT) play a unique and valuable role in end-of-life care by focusing on what matters most to each individual and helping them participate in the activities that are most meaningful to them.
An OT’s role in end-of-life care may include:
➢ Recommending home modifications and equipment to improve accessibility and safety
➢ Providing caregiver training and education, such as safe transfer techniques and the use of mobility equipment
➢ Providing education to individuals, such as energy conservation and fatigue management strategies, to support participation in daily activities
➢ Adapting meaningful activities to support participation [4].
When discussing end-of-life care, there is often a strong focus on physical comfort and medical management. However, it is equally important to consider a person’s psychological and emotional well-being [5].
OTs can assist individuals with remaining connected to activities that bring fulfillment, joy, and meaning. Depending on the person’s interests and abilities, this may include:
➢ Listening to music, reading, or spending time with loved ones
➢ Creative activities like art or baking
➢ Connecting with others through conversation or support groups
➢ Spending time outdoors or animal interaction [5]
During a time that is often filled with uncertainty, these familiar activities can provide comfort and help individuals stay connected to who they are and what matters most to them. OTs can also support spiritual well-being by encouraging participation in meaningful activities, traditions, and practices that align with their values and beliefs, helping them maintain a sense of autonomy and dignity [6].
By understanding what matters to each individual the most, care can be guided in a way that is meaningful and personal.
Occupational therapy support does not necessarily end with the loss of a loved one. OTs can further support individuals during bereavement by facilitating gradual re-engagement in daily life, establishing new routines, and using meaningful activities as a tool for healing.
Because grief is experienced differently by everyone, support is individualized to each person’s needs and goals.
At Thrive@Home, a division of GLA Rehab, our team understands the emotional and physical challenges that come with caring for a loved one at the end of life. We are committed to providing compassionate, holistic care that supports both clients and their families.
Our occupational therapists assess clients holistically using a wide range of assessment tools with the goal of identifying what matters most, promoting independence and comfort, and supporting meaningful engagement in daily life throughout every stage of life.
References
[1] Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2026, May 1). Infographic: Canada’s seniors population outlook: Uncharted territory. https://www.cihi.ca/en/infographic-canadas-seniors-population-outlook-uncharted-territory#:~:text=Text%20version%20of%20infographic,2017%20and%202037%2C%20as%20follows
[2] World Health Organization. (2020, August 5). Palliative care. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/palliative-care
[3] Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2011). Health care use at the end of life in Atlantic Canada. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/icis-cihi/H118-64-2011-eng.pdf
[4] Elite Learning. (2023, July 24). The role of OTs in end-of-life care. https://www.elitelearning.com/resource-center/rehabilitation-therapy/occupational-therapy/the-role-of-ots-in-end-of-life-care/
[5] Annals of Leisure Research. (2020, January 20). Dying-well: The contribution of leisure services to hospice care. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11745398.2019.1710717
[6] Palliative & Supportive Care. (2015, December). Enabling occupation at the end of life: A literature review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26073150/