For compassionate care, I think the rule is that you could get six weeks of benefits if the relative is at risk of death during the next 26-week time period. Basically, you could use the six weeks of benefits during that 26-week period. If the person does not die and you have not used up the six weeks, you can reapply with a new doctor's certificate.
On November 19th, 2009. See this statement in context.