Palliative care isn’t just for the final stages of life – it’s a holistic approach that enhances comfort and quality of life throughout a patient’s journey with serious illness. It can begin much earlier in a patient’s journey with a serious illness. The goal is not merely to manage symptoms, but to enhance quality of life by addressing physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the complex decisions that come with chronic or life-limiting conditions.
It is important to know when to introduce palliative for patients and their families. It ensures that support is provided at the right time, helping individuals live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible, regardless of prognosis.
Palliative care is designed to support anyone living with a serious long-term health condition, whether they’re still receiving active treatment or focusing on comfort and quality of life. The goal is to ease pain, manage symptoms, and provide emotional and practical support for both patients and their loved ones.
People who may benefit from palliative care include those living with:
Cancer: To manage pain, fatigue, and treatment side effects.
Heart disease: Including advanced heart failure or coronary conditions.
Lung Disease: Such as COPD, emphysema, or other chronic respiratory issues.
Kidney or Liver Disease: When symptoms affect daily life or treatment decisions.
Neurological Conditions: Including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
HIV and AIDS: To improve quality of life alongside ongoing therapies.
Stroke: For assistance with recovery, mobility, and emotional well-being.
COVID-19 and post-COVID Complications: When long-term symptoms or organ damage impact health and comfort.
Palliative care can be provided in a range of settings, depending on your needs and the services available in your area. The ensures that care is accessible and tailored to each individual.
Clinic-based palliative care: You can visit a palliative care specialist in a clinical setting, much like seeing your regular doctor, for ongoing support and symptom management.
Hospital palliative care: If you’re receiving treatment in a hospital, a palliative care professional can work alongside your medical team to manage pain, ease discomfort, and support complex care decisions.
Home-based palliative care: Many people prefer to receive care in their own home. A healthcare provider can visit regularly to offer personalised support, symptom relief, and companionship.
Residential or Assisted Living Care: Nursing homes and assisted living communities often have dedicated healthcare professionals who provide palliative care as part of their services, ensuring residents receive continuous comfort and support.
One of the main challenges in palliative care isn’t the care itself; it’s the misunderstanding that often surrounds it. Many people hesitate to consider palliative care because they assume it’s only for those nearing the end of life. In reality, that’s far from the truth.
Palliative care is designed for anyone living with a long-term or serious illness that affects their daily comfort and well-being. It focuses on managing symptoms, easing stress, and helping individuals live more fully, not on giving up treatment or hope. The biggest barrier, therefore, is awareness. Once people understand what palliative care truly offers, they often wish they had started it sooner.
The cost of palliative care can vary depending on several factors, such as:
Our goal is to provide care that’s not only compassionate and personalised, but also cost-effective, helping you and your loved ones focus on comfort, not financial burden.
Palliative care is about enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life, not just managing illness. It offers compassionate, personalised support that helps you and your loved ones live with comfort. Contact Fairbrook Healthcare today to learn how our palliative care services can make a meaningful difference.
