In 2030, there will be more Canadians over the age of 65 than ever before.[1] Children born today will live longer than their parents, and the trend of living longer will probably continue as long as new technologies for maintaining health and extending life spans continue to be developed. As people expect to live longer, old age will become less mysterious. Planning for the last phases of life will become another stage to prepare for, just like the way people plan for retirement today.

The end of life therapist will be a guide for people planning the last years of their lives. End of life therapists will provide advice about procedures and technologies that will make the physical process of dying smoother. They will also provide services that help their clients think about the psychological aspects of preparing for death or the legal outcomes of becoming older and weaker, and they may even help families to come to terms with the pain of losing a loved one.

Job Requirements / Skills

End of life therapists are very diplomatic people. They are able to provide straightforward information without forgetting their client’s ability to handle new or difficult situations. Empathy is essential to their everyday practice, but they are also able to provide a neutral opinion when required. It goes without saying that excellent communication skills are needed for this role. End of life therapists will find training in social work, palliative care (an area of health care focused on relieving the pain and suffering of patients), education, and human psychology