ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a holistic framework to the understanding of end-of-life care for individuals, families and communities. It discusses the latest social work theories on end of life and challenges in theory development. End-of-life social work interventions often focus on grief, anxiety, fear of death, pain and symptoms associated with the end of life, pathological adjustment to loss, problem behaviours, and subsequent co-morbidity and mortality. Ambiguous loss’ can be a relevant theory to describe the situation of family members and patients at the end of their lives. When tackling death and end-of-life issues, members of the family and social network may tend to jump into the situation trying to rescue, but often in vain. Hope originates from meaning, but it is also the biggest challenge for patients at the end of their lives. A foundation of end-of-life care under the holistic model is facilitating the willingness of individuals to ‘let go’.
