If a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is no longer able to live a normal life, then they will be recommended palliative care.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is the support and care of someone who has a terminal illness. It involves the management of symptoms and pain and keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Palliative care is not solely about end of life care but is focused on quality of life for those with the illness as well as their family. Palliative Care is appropriate for terminal illnesses such as advanced cancer, advanced heart disease, Motor Neurons disease (MND) and conditions such as dementia to name a few.
Palliative Care Options
Palliative care is available in a number of settings including a hospice, a hospital, a care home or in their own home. One of the advantages of receiving palliative care at home is that it allows a person to stay in their own familiar surroundings with their treasured possessions. It is also the least disruptive option as the patient does not need to move anywhere. Palliative care may not always be an option and it will all depend on the person’s illness.
What does palliative care include?
Symptom & Pain Management
One of the primary goals of palliative care is to alleviate pain and manage symptoms through treatments and medications. A personalised treatment plan will be developed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, outlining how this will be done.
Emotional Support
A terminal illness can have a huge emotional toll on patients and their families, leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Palliative care can provide counselling, emotional support, and resources to help individuals cope with the challenges they face.
Support with end of life planning
Palliative care can support the patient, and their family, with end of life discussions and decisions. They can facilitate an open dialogue about what is coming, a person’s options and also sign post places for further support and information.
Personal Care
If the patient is at the stage where they can no longer look after themselves, then palliative care can assist with basic needs such as washing, dressing and toileting.
If you are using a care company then tasks such as cooking, cleaning and running errands can also be part of a patient’s palliative care. This can make life easier and also give peace of mind, not only for the patient but also their family.
Support for Palliative Care at Home
If a person has chosen to stay at home for their palliative care, then the following support is available.
Hospice at Home Services
Various hospices and charities provide hospice at home services, offering nursing care, emotional support, and respite for families. In Warwickshire this includes Myton Hospice and Shakespeare Hospice and Marie Curie Hospice.
Community Palliative Care Teams
These multidisciplinary teams consist of healthcare professionals who specialize in palliative care. They offer home visits, advice, and support to patients and their families, coordinating care with other healthcare providers.
Specialist Palliative Care Nurses
These nurses have expertise in pain and symptom management. They can provide guidance and education to family caregivers on administering medications, managing side effects, and addressing practical concerns.
Home Care Companies
Many in-home care companies such as New Age Care offer palliative care services. These services include personal care as well as help with everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
Helplines & Websites
There are many organisations and charities that provide information and helplines staffed by trained professionals who offer guidance, emotional support, and information on accessing local palliative care services. These include Hospice UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie.
New Age Care’s Palliative Care
New Age Care provide specialist palliative care for people in their own home, so families can make the most of their precious time together.
Our palliative care ranges from regular home visits, to overnight care, to 24/7 live-in care and respite care. New Age Care are here to support people in whatever way they choose.
Our Palliative care packages are tailored to an individual’s wishes and needs. We collaborate with the patient and their healthcare professionals to create a package that focuses on quality of life and making the person as comfortable as possible. We also adapt our packages as a patient’s condition progresses.
We have Specialist Palliative Carers who are experienced in end-of-life care and making sure the person is as comfortable as possible. Our Palliative Carers are compassionate and understanding, vital skills at this exceedingly difficult time.
To find out more visit our webpage or call 0808 808 5000.