Always Caring
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms, stress, and suffering of individuals who are nearing death or living with serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Its goal is to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families, regardless of the prognosis. Palliative Care is from diagnosis to natural end and never seeks to hasten death.
Holistic approach
Palliative Care is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients with serious illnesses, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Multi-disciplinary team
Palliative Care involves a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, chaplains, and other specialists, working together to address the complex needs of patients and families.
Early integration
Palliative Care can be introduced at any stage of illness, not just at the end of life, and can be integrated with curative or life-prolonging treatments, aiming to improve overall care and outcomes.
Patient-centred care
Palliative Care is tailored to each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values, involving open communication and collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Symptom management
Palliative Care focuses on preventing or treating symptoms and side effects of disease and treatment, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and distress, to alleviate suffering and improve comfort.
Focus on quality of life
The ultimate goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, practical, and spiritual concerns, enabling them to live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Accessing Palliative Care
If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help connect you with Palliative Care providers in your area. Remember, Palliative Care is not limited to end-of-life care; it can be beneficial at any stage of a serious illness.
Benefits
A few of the many advantages to Palliative Care
Improves Quality of Life
Palliative Care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the overall quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, allowing them to live more comfortably and with greater dignity.
Reduces Depression and Anxiety
Palliative Care teams provide emotional and spiritual support, which can help alleviate depression, anxiety and many other psychological symptoms associated with serious illnesses.
Enhances Symptom Management
Palliative Care specialists are trained to address a range of symptoms, including pain, constipation, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Providing patients with increased comfort and well-being.
Increases Patient Autonomy
Palliative Care teams work with patients to understand their goals and values. Ensuring that their treatment choices align with their values while giving them greater control over their care.
Supports Caregivers
Palliative Care provides emotional and practical support to caregivers, family members, and friends. Helping them cope with the stress and the burden of caring for a loved one with a serious illness.
Improves Survival Rates
Patients with serious illnesses who receive Palliative Care tend to live longer than those who do not receive this care.
Settings
Palliative Care can be provided in various settings
Home
Palliative Care can be provided at home, allowing patients to receive comfort care and symptom management in the comfort of their own surroundings. This setting is particularly suitable for patients who prefer to die at home or have a strong desire to spend their final days with family and loved ones.
Hospitals
Palliative Care teams can be integrated into hospital settings, providing comprehensive care to patients with serious illnesses, including those receiving curative treatments. Hospital-based Palliative Care can help alleviate symptoms, manage pain, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.
Nursing Homes
Palliative Care can be delivered in nursing homes, focusing on the unique needs of older adults with complex medical conditions. This setting is ideal for patients who require ongoing care and support, but no longer require acute hospital-level interventions.
Hospices
Hospices provide specialized care for patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and emotional support. Hospice care can take place in a dedicated hospice facility, a patient’s home, or a nursing home.
Outpatient Clinics
Palliative Care outpatient clinics offer specialized services, including symptom management, pain control, and emotional support, for patients with serious illnesses. These clinics can be located within hospitals, community health centres, or private practices.