Advice for families considering palliative care

Advice for families considering Palliative Care

Create a checklist including the below:

• ask your loved ones GP what you can expect as their illness progresses
• keep contact details of your loved ones’ healthcare team in your phone or somewhere easy to find
• know who to contact out of hours for evenings and weekends
• find out if your loved one has considered where and how they’d like to be cared for in future
• make a backup plan to make sure someone else can care for your loved one if you’re no longer able to

Be prepared to practically support your loved one throughout the day

Depending on your loved one’s condition, you may need to help them with practical and emotional tasks, including:

• washing, dressing, eating and going to the toilet
• taking medication and managing your loved one’s symptoms
• coordinating healthcare professionals coming into the home
• planning visits with family and friends
• talking to your loved one about their worries and fears
• taking care of your loved ones’ finances, life admin or pets

Plan for changes

Your loved ones’ GP will be able to talk you through what to expect as your loved ones’ illness progresses. Let them know as soon as you notice any changes in your loved one’s symptoms or pain. They will:

• tell you what to do if your loved ones’ symptoms change or get worse
• tell you who to contact out of hours and on weekends
• discuss any decisions your loved one has made about the care and treatment they want

Friends and family

Friends and family often want to help but may not know-how. Try giving them some practical things they can help you with, like:

• picking up shopping
• preparing some meals
• helping with childcare or looking after pets
• having a chat on the phone.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing Palliative Homecare for individuals with terminal illnesses who want to return or remain in their own homes. We understand that at such a stressful and sensitive time, specialist nursing care and trustworthy support can make a huge difference. We work to support the patients, their families, friends, district nurses, palliative teams, and any spiritual needs to support your Palliative care.

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