What to expect from a palliative homecare plan

Palliative care is medical care for people with serious or terminal illnesses but is often confused with the end of life care. These are two different types of care, but they share some of the same qualities. Many people think that palliative care means that the person receiving it is dying. Although some people receive palliative care as part of their end-of-life care, it can also be given earlier during a period of illness, alongside other treatments or therapies to help them cope.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is about making someone as comfortable as possible during receiving their treatment. Your illness may also be terminal, which means you will want to focus on making the most of the time you have left with friends, family, and loved ones. That’s where palliative care comes in.

This includes:

• Pain and symptom management
• Physical and emotional support (this extends to family and carers too)
• Alleviation of any distressing or overwhelming symptoms
• Help to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family
• Planning for complications or death

When does palliative care start?

Palliative care can be offered at any point during a serious illness to make the person as comfortable as possible. Early integration often leads to better outcomes and can run concurrently with other treatments. It’s not limited to the final stages of life.

Our article ‘When should someone be offered palliative care?’ covers this topic in much more detail.

Who provides palliative care and what does it cover?

Palliative care guidance is available through the NHS and some voluntary organisations. Although certain aspects of palliative care require specialist knowledge, it also covers a wide range of other services. Assessment of your needs may come from your doctor, but pain relief or complementary therapies may require support from palliative care specialists.

Palliative care is generally considered to be split into two main types: general and specialist.

General care can include:

• Assessment of your needs at every necessary point during your illness and treatment
• Suggestions for other services that might be helpful and available to you
• Symptom and pain control through medication or therapies
• Practical support. This could include providing help with day-to-day activities
• Social and spiritual support. Help with attending groups or religious meetings may be included
• Coordination of the teams/people put in place to help you

Specialist care covers the services that general care providers cannot give. This includes:

• Therapies such as physio or occupational therapy
• Religious support
• Home care – some people may require live-in carers to help them
• Psychological support – therapists or counsellors who are trained to deal with the emotions around illness and grief may be required at any point during palliative care

Palliative care is available through the NHS and some voluntary organisations, or you may seek to use a private specialist care provider.

Find out more about our palliative homecare services

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Receiving palliative care at home

When we are unwell, it is often comforting to be at home amongst familiar surroundings and people. This is why some people choose to receive palliative care at home. It may also be a necessity if they are unable to travel to and from hospitals or therapists due to illness.

Palliative home care can involve:

• Assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, etc.
• Help with taking or administering medication
• Pain management
• Cleaning your home
• Meal preparation
• Help to care for any pets you may have
• Errands like food shopping or collecting prescriptions
• Supporting independent living including helping you to move around

What can I expect from a palliative homecare plan?

As we mentioned, some people receive palliative care at home rather than in a hospital or hospice. This could be through choice or necessity, but in either case, a holistic palliative care plan will be put in place to help manage your care.

You can choose to have a live-in carer or receive regular home visits. And when you are looking for palliative homecare you will need to ask questions to help you find the best fit for you or a loved one. You may wish to refer to our questions to ask when looking for a home nursing advice piece, as some of the important queries you may have are similar.

What is a palliative homecare plan what does it includes:

• Details of the illness being treated
• Medications to be taken
• Requirements for any mobility needs
• Timings for care (if you prefer to eat meals at a certain time or take medications etc.)
• Dietary requirements
• Religious beliefs that may affect the care or needs of the family
• Details of who to contact in the case of an emergency

As with any kind of home nursing, you will need to discuss your requirements with whoever you choose to provide the care. You must get bespoke care, tailored to your needs. Some care providers may be able to work alongside other palliative care resources such as Marie Curie Nurses.

The benefits of palliative care at home

Being at home is comforting for a lot of people, especially when we are not feeling well. Receiving palliative care at home can relieve stress and means you are surrounded by people you know and trust, as well as your belongings and home comforts.

Visiting times at hospitals or in hospices can be limited. At home, friends and family can visit you when it suits you. It also means that you can get round-the-clock care from a dedicated carer, instead of waiting for ward rounds. Your carer can help you to keep family updated, instead of them having to wait a little longer for an update.

Preparing for palliative care emergencies

Emergencies in palliative care can happen suddenly and be very upsetting for everyone involved. These emergencies might include intense pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, confusion (delirium), ongoing nausea or vomiting, or emotional and spiritual distress. Knowing what to expect and having a plan in place can make a big difference.

To prepare, it is important for your care team or loved ones to keep an eye out for changes in your condition. Those involved in the care will also have to understanding your wishes such as if there was a DNACPR (Do Not Attempt CPR) order. Families and the care team should know who to contact in an emergency and how to reach them quickly. Having a clear plan helps everyone stay calm and act fast when needed. It is also smart to have a backup care plan. This might include:

• A list of emergency contacts
• Copies of important medical documents
• Clear instructions for someone who might need to step in
• Letting the local council know about your caregiving role

Being prepared helps ensure you get the right care, even in unexpected situations.

Advice for families considering palliative care

Families play a big role in supporting loved ones during palliative care. Here are some simple ways to help:

Make a checklist

Start by talking to the GP about what to expect as the illness progresses. Keep contact details for healthcare professionals to hand, and find out how to get help outside of regular hours. It is also important to talk about future care preferences and make a plan in case the main carer cannot be there.

Offer practical help

Support with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, and cooking can make a big difference. Help managing medications, keeping track of symptoms, and arranging visits from nurses or doctors. You can also help with emotional support, finances, paperwork, and even pet care.

Stay in touch with healthcare providers

Let the care team know if anything changes with the your health. Ask for advice on managing pain or other symptoms. Make sure you understand the care plan and any legal documents like power of attorney or living wills.

Involve friends and family

Do not be afraid to ask others for help. They can assist with shopping, cooking, childcare, or just spending time with you.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, we are experts in providing palliative homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, 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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