The article takes a look at the evolution of the attention provided to end-of-life processes since its implementation throughout History. It starts with the development of palliative care programs and ends up at the present moment in which palliative care becomes a model of care, and more general attention is devoted to situations of advanced illness and, specially, the end of life. In this evolution, the figure of the social worker has also made a progress in the development of their tasks. Finally, proposals for improvement are made based on the evolution of the Social Work discipline.