BackPalliative care Articles
Read about all things homecare below, including the latest care industry articles, advice, and company announcements, curated by the Cavendish Homecare Team.
What is a living will? A guide to advance directives
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways What a living will is A living will is a document used to list medical treatments you do not want in the future. In the UK, its official name is an Advanced Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT). It allows you to […]
Read more5 stages of palliative care
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways It is not just for the final days Palliative care is a broad support system that can begin at the point of diagnosis and last for years, often running alongside curative treatments to manage symptoms and stress. Focuses on quality of […]
Read moreWhat are the 7 stages of dementia?
Dementia is a complex disease and is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms caused by various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type) and vascular dementia. These symptoms arise from abnormal changes in the brain and lead to a […]
Read moreThe use of technology in palliative care
The rapid growth of digital health technologies has revolutionised many areas of healthcare, and palliative care is no exception. From telemedicine and wearable devices to virtual reality (VR) and digital care platforms, technology is reshaping how care is provided to those with life-limiting illnesses. […]
Read moreCommon questions about diet and cancer
A cancer diagnosis often raises questions about diet. While there’s no magic diet to cure cancer, a healthy, balanced lifestyle is crucial for supporting your body during and after treatment. Cancer and its treatments can impact your appetite and change how your body tolerates […]
Read moreFinalists in The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2025
What are the Palliative Care and End of Life Care awards? Organised by Care Talk magazine, the palliative and end of life care awards serve a vital purpose: they celebrate incredible initiatives led by care professionals in social care and hospices that are truly […]
Read moreEnd-of-life care for Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Understanding MND Motor Neurone Disease is a rare, progressive condition affecting nerves and muscles, making activities like walking, speaking, and swallowing increasingly difficult. Early warning signs Look out for slurred speech, muscle weakness, cramps or twitching, and difficulty with everyday tasks. […]
Read moreCommunicating end-of-life wishes
Talking about death with loved ones is one of the most difficult discussions to have, however, having open conversations about end-of-life wishes can help everyone involved. This is often avoided because we naturally want to protect each other’s feelings. Nonetheless, it is best to […]
Read moreHow to deal with the stages of grief?
Grief involves coping with loss in major life events such as death, divorce, loss of a home or relationship. Everyone grieves differently but there are common responses that can be useful to recognise when facing a loss. Those facing the end of life or […]
Read moreRoyal Marsden’s Palliative Care Update
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Advancing palliative care Mairead Liston attended an expert study day at the Royal Marsden Hospital to explore the future of end-of-life treatment. The event focused on cutting-edge therapies and new ways to manage complex patient needs. Enhancing patient quality By studying […]
Read morePalliative care FAQs
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Comprehensive support Palliative care improves quality of life for patients and families by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, managing symptoms, and helping with difficult decisions. Flexible timing Care can start at any stage of a serious illness, from diagnosis onwards, […]
Read morePalliative care for COPD
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Holistic symptom management Palliative care helps COPD patients manage breathlessness, fatigue, and other physical symptoms, using medications, oxygen therapy, breathing techniques, and respiratory aids. Emotional and psychological support Counselling, support groups, and guidance on advance care planning help patients and families […]
Read moreEnd-of-life care: Your essential guide
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways What is end-of-life care? End-of-life care supports people in the final months of life, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It addresses physical symptoms, emotional and psychological needs, spiritual care, and practical support for both the individual and their […]
Read moreWhat is palliative care for cancer
Palliative care can be beneficial at any point in an illness when distressing symptoms arise. It is not limited to hospice or end-of-life scenarios but instead focuses on improving the sense of contentment for cancer patients throughout their cancer journey. In cases of advanced […]
Read moreDying Matters Awareness Week
Dying Matters believes in an open culture that talks about death, and where people feel able to listen and support those who are planning for their end of life, who are dying and who have been bereaved. Dying Matters Awareness Week is an annual […]
Read moreQuestions to ask when looking for home nursing
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Tailoring care to individual needs Selecting an appropriate provider requires a clear understanding of a loved one’s specific medical conditions, mobility requirements, and cultural or dietary preferences to ensure the care plan is both comprehensive and personalised. Evaluating staff and safety […]
Read moreImportance of spiritual support at the end of life
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Finding meaning and peace Spiritual support helps people make sense of their lives when facing a terminal illness. It is not just about religion; it is about exploring personal values, finding sources of strength, and seeking hope, gratitude, and a sense […]
Read moreDifferences between palliative hospital care and homecare
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Holistic support Palliative care improves comfort and quality of life for people with terminal or serious illnesses, addressing physical, emotional, and practical needs. Home and hospital care Specialist teams provide symptom management, emotional support, and smooth transitions between hospital, hospice, or […]
Read moreWhat to expect from a palliative homecare plan
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Early support, not just end of life Palliative care is often confused with end-of-life care, but it can start at any point after a serious diagnosis. It works alongside curative treatments to manage pain and improve daily life, helping patients live […]
Read moreWhat is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Scope and timing Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice care is specifically for end-of-life care. Settings Both can be delivered at home, in hospitals, hospices, or care facilities, with homecare offering comfort in […]
Read morePalliative care for dementia
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Palliative dare in dementia Palliative care for dementia focuses on symptom management and enhancing quality of life from early stages through to end-of-life, addressing physical pain, agitation, and emotional distress to ensure the individual’s comfort. Holistic and integrated support Effective care […]
Read moreWho is involved in the hospital discharge process?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Roles in hospital discharge planning The discharge process involves a multidisciplinary team, including coordinators who manage logistics like transport and equipment, and district nurses who provide clinical home visits for tasks such as wound dressings or catheter care. Community and specialist […]
Read morePalliative care for heart failure
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Holistic symptom management Palliative care helps manage breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, pain, and anxiety, improving comfort for people with advanced heart failure. Early planning and conversations Discussing care preferences and treatment goals early ensures that patients’ wishes are respected and informs decisions […]
Read moreWhat does end of life care mean?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Focus on comfort and dignity End-of-life care prioritises keeping your loved one comfortable, supported, and at peace, often at home, while respecting their wishes. Changing needs Patients may require practical care, emotional support, and grief guidance, while caregivers may need respite […]
Read moreTypes of palliative care
Palliative care is a specialised approach that helps people with a serious illness feel as comfortable as possible. It focuses on managing symptoms like pain and also provides emotional, social, and spiritual support for both the patient and their family. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways The […]
Read moreThe Lantern Model
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Integration of the Lantern Model Cavendish Homecare is among the first UK providers to adopt the Lantern Model, an innovative, nurse-led framework for palliative and end-of-life care developed in collaboration with St. Christopher’s Hospice. A holistic and person-centred approach The model […]
Read moreHomecare plan for the 5 stages of Parkinson’s disease
In this guide, we’ll look at the five stages of Parkinson’s and how a homecare plan can support treatment from your doctor. It is important to note that Parkinson’s disease will affect each person in a unique way. The stages are a guide to […]
Read moreWhen should someone be offered palliative care?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Holistic palliative care Supports physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs at any stage of illness, not just end-of-life. Homecare benefits Being cared for at home provides comfort, peace of mind, and reduces unnecessary hospital visits. Symptom relief Pain, fatigue, breathlessness, and […]
Read moreHow can bereavement counselling help?
The loss of someone significant is a moment when support is crucial. Understanding the distinct concepts of grief and bereavement is essential for effective navigation. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Grief is personal and unique with no timeline Grief is a natural, highly personal response to […]
Read moreCaring for a loved one with cancer
Supporting a loved one or family member that has cancer can be extremely difficult. Contraction and treatment of cancer can be a very draining ordeal for the patient. Pain can occur in multiple stages. This discomfort can be severe and often has debilitating side […]
Read moreWhat are the principles of palliative care?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Holistic and life-affirming care Palliative care focuses on comfort and dignity rather than a cure. It treats the “whole person” by addressing physical pain alongside emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It is not just for the final days of life; it […]
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