What is Palliative Care?

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a specialised medical approach aimed at improving the comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses. This comprehensive care focuses on pain management, symptom relief, emotional support, and spiritual guidance, ensuring that patients and their families receive holistic assistance throughout the course of their illness. You may have heard the term but not have known exactly what this involves.

Improves quality of life

Palliative homecare not only manages the pain of the patient, but also provides a more holistic approach to the health of both patient and family. The health professional not only looks at the medical pain management side, but also the social, psychological and spiritual support that is required alongside.

If you have ever or are currently going through this, you will understand that successfully caring for a family member or friend that is terminally ill requires much more than pain management. The support that is required can be overwhelming for any individual not trained in this area.

Unlike hospice care, palliative care can begin from moment of diagnosis through to the end of life. Even in the early stages of diagnosis support is required. The aim for any patient undergoing this care is to improve their quality of life for both the patient and those close to them, especially when disease focused treatment is no longer viable.

Other conditions that can be helped by palliative care

Palliative care is essential for those with terminal illnesses like cancer, heart failure, and COPD. It enhances quality of life by providing holistic support, including pain management, emotional well-being, and spiritual care. This care starts at the time of diagnosis and continues throughout the journey. Whether through doctor referrals or private specialists, it’s a valuable resource that promotes comfort and a better quality of life.

Work together with your doctors

Palliative care teams are specialists who work together with you, your family and your other doctors. They provide an extra layer of support when you need it most. In addition to treating your symptoms and stress and supporting you and your family, the palliative care team communicates with all of your doctors so that everyone is on the same page. They support you every step of the way.

We can support patients who are being treated by a variety of medical teams, including the NHS, Private Hospitals, Clinics, District Nurses and specialist teams.

How do I get palliative care assistance?

There are a few ways to obtain palliative care assistance.

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Using palliative care does not mean you can no longer use your primary care doctor, the specialist team will work alongside your doctor.

You have the option of sourcing specialists privately. There are many specialised agencies that solely offer Palliative care. Speak to other friends and family, or a simple search on the internet can provide you with several options.

Care homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes out-patients and clinics all can offer these services. However, each organisation does differ and may require research.

Where will I get palliative care?

Palliative care can be received in a variety of locations, catering to the unique needs and preferences of you and your family. These settings include care homes, hospitals, a hospice and at home. Each of these options offers different levels of care and support, making it important to carefully consider which setting aligns best with your comfort and specific requirements.

Where do I look for more information?

Trying to navigate through the minefield of carers can be a difficult time. Please find some further information sources that might help the process easier.

British Medical Journal – a weekly peer-reviewed medical trade journal, published by the trade union the British Medical Association (BMA)
Web MD – The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information.

What is included in palliative care at home?

Palliative homecare encompasses a comprehensive approach to improve the overall quality of life for both you and your families. One fundamental aspect is pain management, where there is a focus on alleviating physical suffering. Beyond pain relief, palliative care takes a holistic approach, addressing the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients.

Additionally, symptom management plays a crucial role in palliative care, where the care team effectively manages and alleviates symptoms related to the condition. This can include addressing issues like nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, and more to enhance your overall well-being.

Furthermore, palliative care extends its support to the families and loved ones, offering guidance and counselling to help cope with the emotional challenges that often accompany a terminal illness.

How Cavendish Homecare can help?

At Cavendish Homecare we specialise in providing high level quality private homecare in London and the home counties, covering areas such as Kensington and Chelsea, Harrow, Twickenham, Westminster, Camden, and Surrey.

Our team come from all areas of the professional healthcare sector – from Registered nurses to compassionate Family Liaison experts – that’s why we understand that each patient requires individual specialised plans, therefore, we take the time to meet you and your family to plan yours, or your loved one’s personal healthcare requirements.

We have been within private healthcare since 2009 and built up a respected reputation for delivering a professional yet compassionate service. Our homecare services are not restricted to palliative care, we are also able to provide you with;

Find out how we can help with your loved ones requirements, alternatively, any other healthcare needs you may be seeking for yourself or loved one by contacting us.