When should someone be offered palliative care?

Palliative care is a specialised type of medical care for individuals and their families facing a chronic or life-threatening illness. It takes a holistic approach, aiming to improve quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Palliative care is not just for the end of life; it can be provided alongside other treatments at any stage of an illness, even as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Recent data from the OHE shows that in 2023, an estimated 436,022 people in England required palliative care. When provided early, this care can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and the overall use of healthcare services.

Palliative care vs. end-of-life care

Many people confuse palliative care with end-of-life care, but they are distinct. While palliative care can be a part of end-of-life care, it is much broader and can last for years. End-of-life care is specifically for individuals in the final months or year of their life and focuses on ensuring comfort and addressing practical matters like wills and wishes.

Who provides palliative care?

Palliative care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who all play equally vital roles. This can include:

• Physicians and nurses: They provide medical support, manage pain, and prescribe medications.
• Homecare nurses: They offer the same high-quality care in the comfort of a person’s home, which is often a preferred environment for healing and convalescence.
• Therapists and support staff: This can include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and counselors who provide emotional and psychological support.
• Charities and volunteers: Many organizations specialise in palliative care and can provide additional support services.

This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive care plan that addresses the patient’s physical and emotional needs.

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Benefits of palliative homecare

Choosing to receive palliative care at home offers significant benefits for both the patient and their loved ones.

• Comfort and familiarity: Being at home, surrounded by loved ones and personal belongings, creates a more comfortable and familiar environment.
• Confidence in caregivers: It’s essential to have confidence that caregivers have the necessary expertise in palliative care and work with empathy and commitment.
• Emotional support and peace of mind: Homecare can alleviate some of the emotional burden on family and friends, allowing them to focus on spending quality time with their loved one.
• Reduced hospital admissions: Receiving early palliative care at home can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions and reduce the strain on healthcare services.

Symptoms palliative care can address

Palliative care is designed to manage a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• Pain: The team works to create a pain management plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
• Shortness of breath: This is a common symptom in conditions like COPD and heart failure. A multidisciplinary team works to manage breathlessness and improve comfort.
• Nausea and vomiting: A treatment plan may include a combination of medicines and practical tips to reduce discomfort.
• Fatigue: The care team can identify and treat underlying causes of fatigue, such as anemia, and provide support to improve energy levels.
• Loss of appetite: This is often a side effect of illness or treatment. A care team may refer a patient to a dietitian to help manage nutrition.
• Constipation: A management plan can include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and appropriate medication.

Getting started with palliative care

Palliative care can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, heart disease, and COPD.

You can begin palliative care at any stage of an illness—as soon as you receive a diagnosis or begin treatment. The earlier you start, the more a palliative care team can do to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. To get started, you can speak with your GP or a care provider who can connect you with a local palliative care service.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing private homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

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

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