Compassion in Dying's free factsheets cover a range of topics on end-of-life rights, recent guidance and practical tools to help you think about what care and treatment you would want at the end of life.

We regularly update our information in response to the issues that people ask us about, so if you cannot find the information you require or have further questions please let us know by calling our Information Line on 0800 999 2434 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Your rights in England and Wales

A Quick Guide to Your Rights (England and Wales)

Setting your wishes out in writing (Advance Decisions)

Giving someone the power to make decisions for you (Lasting Powers of Attorney)

Making sure your Advance Decision is legally binding

Talking to your doctor about your Advance Decision

Updating your Advance Decision

Living wills

Summary Care Records (England)

Your rights in Scotland

Setting out your wishes in writing (advance directives)

Giving someone the power to make decisions for you (Welfare Powers of Attorney)

Your rights in Northern Ireland

Your rights in Northern Ireland

Helpful tools

Helpful questions for making an Advance Decision

Quiz - How well do you know my wishes?

Common words and phrases

Recent guidance

General Medical Council guidance on end-of-life care and treatment 2010

Care Quality Commission guidance on care standards 2011