5 stages of palliative care

Palliative care is a holistic approach to managing a life-limiting or chronic illness, focusing on making the patient as comfortable as possible by addressing their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. It’s a broad type of care that can begin at any point after a diagnosis and may last for years.

Palliative care vs. end-of-life care

It’s a common misconception that palliative care is the same as end-of-life care, but they are distinct. Palliative care is a wider category of support for a serious illness and can last for a long time. End-of-life care is more specific, offered to individuals who are thought to be in the last year of their life. The goal of both is to ensure comfort, but end-of-life care also focuses on practical matters like sorting out wills and wishes.

The 5 stages of palliative care

Understanding the stages of palliative care can help you determine the right time to begin the process:

1. Creating a bespoke care plan: A team of professionals works with the patient and their family to create a personalized plan based on their unique needs and goals.
2. Emotional and spiritual support: The palliative care team provides ongoing emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their loved ones through various therapies like talking or music therapy. 
3. Managing treatment: The team ensures the patient lives as comfortably, actively, and independently as possible by managing their pain and other symptoms. Homecare staff can also provide support, relieving some of the burden from family members.
4. Planning for now and the future: This stage involves arranging inpatient care at a hospital or hospice if desired. If a patient wants to stay at home but requires more medical support, residential care can be arranged. This stage may also encompass end-of-life care.
5. Supporting friends and family: This final stage focuses on providing bereavement support to grieving friends and family, which can last for weeks or even up to a year, depending on their needs.

Who provides palliative care?

Many healthcare professionals, such as GPs and community nurses, provide palliative care as part of their standard duties. For more complex needs, a specialist palliative care team may be involved. These teams are composed of different healthcare professionals, including consultants, specialist nurses, and therapists, who can coordinate care for those with an incurable illness.

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Symptoms addressed by palliative care

Palliative care is designed to address a wide range of distressing symptoms to improve a person’s quality of life. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Depression

Getting palliative care at home

Choosing palliative care at home allows a loved one to remain in a familiar, comfortable environment, which can make the adjustment in care easier for everyone. Being at home means they don’t lose their privacy or other home comforts, which can make a significant difference to their well-being.

To access palliative care, you often need a referral from a healthcare professional currently involved in your care, such as your GP, district nurse, or another specialist. They can put you in touch with a local palliative care service.

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 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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