Living with a serious or life-limiting illness can bring physical discomfort, emotional stress and practical challenges for both patients and their families. While medical treatment may focus on managing or treating the underlying illness, patients may also need support to improve comfort, manage symptoms and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Importantly, palliative care is not limited to the final days of life. It may be introduced alongside treatment for a serious illness, depending on the patient’s needs and recommendations from the healthcare team.
Palliative care is a specialised approach that focuses on improving quality of life for people living with serious health conditions. It aims to prevent or relieve suffering by addressing symptoms, discomfort and the emotional or practical challenges associated with illness.
Depending on the patient’s condition, palliative care may help address concerns such as:
The exact care plan depends on the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms, overall health and personal needs.
There is no single point at which every patient should begin palliative care. The need for support depends on the severity of symptoms, the impact of the illness on daily life and the patient’s overall care requirements.
The treating doctor or healthcare team can help determine whether palliative care is appropriate and what type of support may be needed.
Palliative care may be beneficial for people living with a range of serious or progressive illnesses.
However, the need for palliative care is based on the person’s symptoms and overall care requirements, not just a specific diagnosis.
A personalised care plan may include several areas of support.
One of the main goals of palliative care is to improve the patient’s comfort.
The healthcare team may assess and help manage symptoms such as:
When repositioning a patient:
Any medication or treatment should be managed according to the patient’s medical plan and professional guidance.
Depending on medical requirements, this may involve:
The level and type of nursing support will depend on the patient’s individual needs.
As an illness progresses, a patient may need help with routine activities.
This can include assistance with:
The aim is to provide the right level of support while respecting the patient’s dignity, comfort and independence wherever possible.
A serious illness can affect the emotional wellbeing of both the patient and their loved ones.
Patients may experience fear, uncertainty or emotional distress, while family members may struggle with the responsibilities of caregiving.
Palliative care can involve emotional support and guidance to help patients and families navigate the challenges associated with serious illness.
Creating opportunities for open and respectful communication can also help families better understand the patient’s preferences and care needs.
Providing long-term care for a seriously ill family member can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Family caregivers may need guidance on:
Professional support can help families feel more prepared and reduce some of the practical challenges associated with caregiving.
No. Palliative care and end-of-life care are related but are not exactly the same.
Palliative care may be introduced at different stages of a serious illness and can sometimes be provided alongside treatment intended to manage the underlying disease.
End-of-life care focuses more specifically on care and comfort during the final stage of life.
For many patients, receiving care at home can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Potential benefits may include:
However, home-based care may not be suitable for every patient or every stage of illness. The healthcare team can help determine whether the patient’s medical and care needs can be managed safely at home.
Preparing the home can help create a safer and more comfortable environment for the patient.
Depending on the person’s needs, families may need to consider:
The specific home setup should be based on the patient’s mobility, symptoms and medical requirements.
Families providing palliative care should know whom to contact if the patient’s condition changes.
Seek prompt medical advice if there are new, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, such as:
Families should also have clear instructions about when to contact the treating doctor, home healthcare provider or emergency medical services.
The right care plan should be tailored to the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms and daily needs. Depending on the situation, families may benefit from a combination of medical guidance, nursing support, personal care and caregiver assistance
The right care plan should be tailored to the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms and daily needs. Depending on the situation, families may benefit from a combination of medical guidance, nursing support, personal care and caregiver assistance
