Overview

Medication management is an important part of palliative care. It helps improve the quality of life for people with a life-limiting illness. Good medication management leads to better end-of-life care because:

• pain and other symptoms can be well controlled
• planning ahead means medications can be given quickly when needed, keeping the person comfortable and free from pain
• family and friends can better understand why medications may be started or stopped at the end of life.

To achieve this, careful assessment, planning, and communication are essential. Everyone involved in the person’s care should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Managing medications for people nearing the end of life can be complex and may include legal, clinical, or communication challenges. This resource doesn’t cover all risks, but it may help aged care staff identify and manage key risks to ensure person-centred, high-quality care as part of risk-based thinking.