End-of-life care

In Brief

A patient with a terminal illness and a short expected lifespan may be offered the option to spend their final days at home instead of in a hospital. The patient will receive the necessary medical care in their own home.

Description

The wishes of the patient and their relatives should be given significant consideration when deciding whether the patient should remain at home or in an institution during the end-of-life phase. If the patient is at home, both the patient and their relatives must receive adequate training in the use of medications, pain pumps, or other medical aids. The patient has the right to be informed about healthcare professionals they can contact whenever necessary. Compassion and respect for the individual are especially important when caring for terminally ill and dying patients. The patient must receive care that allows them to experience their final days in a meaningful way. As much as possible, the patient should be able to live according to their own wishes.

Target Group

Patients with a terminal illness and a short expected lifespan.

Related brochures, documents, maps and similar

• Patient and interpreter. A brochure about interpretation in the health services External link, opens in new window.

Regulations

Laws

• Forvaltningsloven External link, opens in new window.
• Helsepersonelloven External link, opens in new window.
• Helse- og omsorgstjenesteloven External link, opens in new window.
• Pasient- og brukerrettighetsloven External link, opens in new window.

Regulations

• Verdighetsgarantiforskriften External link, opens in new window.

Practical Information

Guidance - how to obtain or receive the service

You can apply to the municipality for palliative care (end-of-life care).

Case Processing

The municipality will gather the necessary information to make a decision. A home visit is typically conducted before a decision is made. In addition to municipal home nursing services, assistance from specialized healthcare services may also be required.

Processing Time

The municipality must process the application as soon as possible. If the case cannot be resolved within one month, you will receive a written notification explaining the reason for the delay. You will also be informed of the expected decision date.

Right to Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the decision, you may appeal to the municipality within three weeks of receiving it. Explain what you disagree with and why you believe the decision should be changed. If you need guidance, you can contact the municipality. If the municipality upholds its decision, you may escalate the appeal to the County Governor. You may also file a complaint regarding the execution of the service. The complaint should be sent to the municipality or directly to the service provider. Additionally, you may appeal to the County Governor if you believe the service has been carried out improperly, if you have received insufficient or incorrect information, or if there has been a breach of confidentiality. In the event of a very serious incident related to the service, relatives or the patient can report it directly to the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision at phone number 474 86 882.

2025 KF (Kommuneforlaget AS), Oslo, KF Tjenestekatalog.
Tjenestebeskrivelsene i KF Tjenestekatalog viser lovpålagte kommunale tjenester til innbyggere og næring. Beskrivelsene blir oppdatert fortløpende ved endringer i lover og sentrale forskrifter.
Tjenestebeskrivelsen er automatisk oppdatert 26.02.2025