The changing demographic in western society is signalling changes in the profile of caregiving.Examination of the role of friends amongst a randomized population-based survey of caregivers of people with terminal illness has not been done.Piloted questions were included in the 2001-07 face-to-face annual health surveys of 23,588 South Australian on the death of a loved one, caregiving provided, and characteristics of the deceased individual and caregiver.The survey was representative of the population by age, gender and region of residence.Results focused on respondents providing hands on care on either a daily or intermittent basis who were friends of the deceased loved one Those undertaking hands on care were much more likely to be female and aged between 55 and 64.Another younger cohort (<45) also provided hands on care but did so intermittently.Friends who were carers were much more likely to do so for younger deceased, i.e.<65 ((P=<0.00 1) who had died of cancer.Almost a third were actively involved in care for more than 12 months.Levels of home death were much greater (32% p=0.014) where friends are involved in care and the rate of palliative care use was higher (70%) compared to 61% when family and others used the service.Patient care is substantially improved when friends contribute their caregiving.A cohort of younger caregivers may reflect changing social mores as the extended family shrinks and people turn to friendship networks for care and support at the end of life.