Palliative Care

Palliative care can be beneficial at many different points during a life-limiting illness, not just during the last few weeks or months of life. You can choose to begin palliative care earlier in your illness, for example, while you are still receiving other therapies to treat your condition. It is not necessary to go into a hospice in order to receive palliative care; specialist home carers can provide support in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of your own home.

Also known as terminal or end-of-life care, palliative care focuses on ensuring that your loved one is as comfortable as possible by reducing the symptoms of their incurable illness and providing the support, understanding and friendship that is so crucial at this time.

Some of the responsibilities of a specialist palliative carer include:

• Assisting you with end-of-life planning by helping you to organise your finances and provision for the future
• Ensuring that all steps are taken to minimise any discomfort or pain
• Providing psychological, social and spiritual support to you and your family
• Performing household tasks, such as vacuuming, dusting and washing clothes
• Assisting you with meal preparation, eating, washing, getting into bed and dressing, should this be necessary
• Coordinating your care with the appropriate healthcare professionals, including your GP and community nurses.