What is the aim of palliative care?
Palliative care is for people with a life-limiting illness. That means a condition which cannot be cured. Instead, the emphasis of palliative care is on improvement of quality of life. Symptoms, such as pain, are managed and emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families and carers are supported by the care provided. Here we explain what palliative care involves, when it is provided and how to access it.
When is palliative care offered?
Palliative care can be started at any stage of a person’s life-limiting illness and is sometimes commenced shortly after diagnosis. People can receive palliative care for many years before they approach the end of their life. Being in receipt of palliative care does not mean that death is near; it can be provided in addition to other treatments.
End of life care is a form of palliative care for people who are close to the end of life. The NHS says people are usually considered to be approaching the end of life when they are likely to die within the next 12 months, although this varies a great deal. Support for families and carers continues after death through bereavement support.
What palliative care includes
- Managing pain, breathlessness, nausea and other symptoms.
- Emotional and psychological support for the person and their family.
- Practical help, such as equipment and adaptations at home.
- Spiritual support, if the person wants it.
- Help planning ahead, including wishes about future care.
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care is provided by a team of people, which can include GPs, community and district nurses, specialist palliative care teams, hospice staff, social workers and care assistants. If this type of work interests you and you would like to know more about care assistant positions, use a relevant internet search term for your area, such as care assistant jobs Kildare, and you should get results like www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-jobs-kildare/.
Where palliative care is given
| Setting | What it can involve |
|---|---|
| At home | Visits from nurses and care assistants, equipment and adaptations |
| Hospices | Inpatient stays, day services and support for families |
| Hospitals | Specialist palliative care teams working with ward staff |
| Care homes | Ongoing care with input from GPs and palliative specialists |
Many people would like to be cared for at home and with the right support often can be. Children receiving palliative care are often cared for at home and the whole family including brothers and sisters can receive support.
How to access palliative care
If you or the person you care for might benefit from palliative care services, speak with your GP or hospital team. They can refer you to local palliative care services, hospices and community teams. It’s never too early to explore the help available to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is palliative care only for people with cancer?
No. Palliative care can be provided to individuals with a variety of conditions including heart failure, lung disease, kidney disease, dementia, motor neurone disease and other long-term illnesses that cannot be cured.
Can I still have treatment while receiving palliative care?
Yes. Many people with serious illness receive symptom control and support from palliative care services whilst also receiving treatments to try to slow down the progress of their illness, such as chemotherapy or other medicines.
Where to go next
Dealing with a loved one’s affairs can add to the strain. Read about how banks handle bereavement and power of attorney.
