5 Stages of Palliative Care

What is the difference between palliative care and end-of-life care?

Palliative care is often confused with the end of life care. While both forms of care are implemented towards the end of life and offer care, treatment, and support for your loved ones, there is one significant difference.

Palliative care can begin at any time after diagnosis. And some plans are in place for years. In contrast, end-of-life care is usually implemented within what is expected to be your final year of life.

While palliative care can be, and often is, included at an end of life care plan (known as end-of-life palliative care), they are not the same thing.

What are the 5 stages of Palliative Care?

There are five stages of palliative care. Understanding these may help you decide when might be the right time to start the process for you and your loved ones.

• Stage one: This is where an initial plan is created. The plan should be flexible to provide the right care as your or your loved ones’ illness evolves.
• Stage two: Medical social workers and multidisciplinary teams provide emotional care for you and your loved ones.
• Stage three: Nurses and physicians work together at this point of the care plan to ensure you or your loved ones maintain as much independence as possible. It may be necessary at this stage to install home health aides. As well as accept assistance from nurses or carers with daily activities that you are beginning to struggle with.
• Stage four: This stage involves arranging inpatient care at a hospital or hospice if wanted. If you don’t want this, but still require more help from medical professionals than previously, residential care can be arranged so that you always get the support you need. This can be done without moving out of your comfort zone. This stage can also encompass the end of life care.
• Stage five: This involves bereavement support for your family and friends and is usually utilised for a year.

At what stage does palliative care start?

One of the main reasons behind palliative care is to assist in the treatment and management of symptoms. It can be implemented whenever you think it will help following a diagnosis. Because this type of care is available for a multitude of diagnoses, all of which impact your loved ones life differently, an exact time frame shouldn’t be given.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing Palliative Homecare for individuals with terminal illnesses who want to remain in their own homes. We work to support the patients and their families with sensitive and comforting Palliative care.

If you would like to enquire about our Palliative Care, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.