Palliative home care offers much more than end-of-life support. It provides comprehensive assistance to individuals during challenging times, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Additionally, palliative care extends crucial support to families, offering them peace of mind knowing their loved one’s care is in the best possible hands.
Many different types of care are available, suiting various health needs and circumstances. Unfortunately, not all health conditions can be treated, and there may come a time when managing the symptoms of a serious or life-limiting diagnosis is the most appropriate course of action. If this is the case, then individuals may be offered palliative care to help with pain management and to preserve dignity in the final stages of a terminal illness.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is specialised medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Unlike hospice care, which is typically reserved for those nearing the end of life, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness and alongside curative treatments.
What does palliative care involve?
Palliative carers are specialised in this field, offering holistic support to individuals during this difficult time. Depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances, a palliative carer can help with:
- Pain medication management
- Coping with symptoms of the illness and side effects of medication
- Providing companionship and someone to talk to
- Light housekeeping tasks
- Household administration
- Coordinating care with healthcare professionals
- Taking care of physical, emotional, and psychological needs
- Maintaining quality of life
Benefits of palliative care
The advantages of receiving palliative care support include:
- Peace of mind that your loved one’s end-of-life care is being managed by an experienced care professional
- Pain and symptom management
- Help from a compassionate carer
- Ensuring that your loved one’s comfort is a priority
- Preserving dignity in the final days, weeks, or months
- Holistic, whole-body support
- Enabling your loved one to die in the familiar surroundings of home
When is palliative care appropriate?
Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness, not just at the end of life. It can be beneficial as soon as a patient is diagnosed with a serious condition and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Here are some scenarios when palliative care might be appropriate:
At diagnosis of a serious illness
When a patient is first diagnosed with a serious illness, palliative care can help manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and assist in understanding treatment options. Early integration of palliative care can improve the patient’s quality of life from the beginning.
During treatment
Palliative care can be provided alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It helps manage side effects, control symptoms, and support the patient through the physical and emotional challenges of treatment.
Managing chronic conditions
For patients with chronic illnesses like heart disease, COPD, or kidney disease, palliative care can help manage ongoing symptoms and improve day-to-day quality of life. It focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing hospitalisations.
Advanced illness
When a disease progresses and symptoms become more difficult to manage, palliative care provides an added layer of support. It helps patients and families navigate complex medical decisions and ensures the patient’s comfort.
End-of-life
In the later stages of illness, palliative care transitions seamlessly into hospice care, providing comprehensive support to ensure the patient’s comfort and dignity. It also offers bereavement support to families.
For more information about palliative care at home, take a look at our informative guide.
How Country Cousins can help
Country Cousins provides specialised care for individuals requiring palliative care, ensuring they and their loved ones are thoroughly supported during this time. By matching clients with carers experienced in palliative end-of-life care, you can have peace of mind knowing your loved ones are being compassionately cared for right until the end of their journey.
Over 400 families trust us daily to match them with the perfect home carer. You can depend on us to help you find the most suitable palliative care for your loved one. For more advice on choosing in-home care for your elderly loved one, check out our live-in care guide.
Talk to our team today
If you require palliative home care for your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
