The Difference Between Palliative and End of Life Care

If you or someone you know has a life-limiting illness, you may have heard of palliative and end of life care being discussed, but it can be difficult to determine the difference. Are they the same thing? What does this type of care consist of?

Palliative Care Treatment

Palliative care is treatment for a life-limiting illness to ensure the individual is able to have a good quality of life in the time that they have left. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to die imminently; they may have many years left, but they will require some care and support as their illness progresses. It can be provided alongside treatments, therapies and medicines aiming to cure an illness or progress the life of someone.

An example of a progressive illness might be advanced cancer, motor neuron disease, dementia, cystic fibrosis, Huntingdon’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease; to name just a few examples.

Palliative care can consist of managing physical symptoms such as pain or stiffness of the joints with physical therapy and painkillers. This might also mean they need social care due to the limitations their condition puts on them, so may need assistance with tasks such as washing, dressing and eating.

But it’s not just physical care, as palliative care also requires a lot of emotional care too, as the client, their friends and family come to terms with the reality of a life-limiting condition and the prospect of someone they love dying prematurely. A palliative carer needs to be able to provide emotional, spiritual and psychological support not only to the person they are caring for, but also their loved ones too.

End of Life Care

As an illness progresses, the person will need increased care and may require more help with everyday life and help to feel comfortable. Palliative care becomes end of life care when it seems like the individual may be facing the last year of their life, however this can be hard to predict so may be for weeks, months or even years.

End of life care is to help ensure that someone who is dying and nearing the end of their life, can live as comfortably as possible in their final days and be provided with relief from their physical symptoms or management of them as well as emotional support to say goodbye to loved ones and make the most of their remaining time.

Palliative care can be provided in a hospice, care home or at home. Many people would prefer to be in a familiar environment while undergoing palliative care and end of life care, which is understandable.

Specialist Palliative and End of Life Carers at Live In Solutions

At Live In Solutions, we provide palliative and end-of-life care. Our specialist palliative carers are experienced and fully trained in providing palliative care to ensure you or your loved one are given the best possible care at a time when you most need it. Our carers will work with the rest of your palliative care team to communicate effectively about managing any symptoms or pain and follow your wishes and preferences for your end-of-life care to allow you to die with dignity.

If you want to find out more about the palliative and end-of-life care we can provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your needs. We can provide carers across the south east and will work with you to develop a bespoke care plan.

Simply fill in our enquiry form to arrange a consultation where we can work out your care plan and the best solution for you or your loved one. Or call us to ask a question and find out more on 01245 890336.