When Should Someone be Offered Palliative Care?

Palliative care is something that we talk about as part of an end-of-life care program – though it is not simply a method for coping with end-of-life. It considers the condition of the individual and is tailored specifically to their needs, to optimise their remaining life and to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible during those remaining days, weeks, months, or years.

Palliative care not only improves quality of life for as long as possible, both for the individual and their family members, but it also encompasses pain management and the relief of symptoms that can impact greatly on daily life. These include physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

With that said, when should this level of care be expected and offered to those with an end-of-life diagnosis?

The Timeline for Palliative Care

There is no set timeline for when palliative care should be introduced. Some will seek out and receive this type of care as soon as they receive a life-limiting diagnosis, while others will only progress to this level of care when they are nearing the end of life and want to make themselves (or the client) as comfortable as possible. You may even find some individuals seeking palliative care as part of the ongoing management of a life-altering condition, relying on this specialised type of care as a coping mechanism.

Because palliative care encompasses psychological treatment as well as physical treatment, trained professionals assess the needs of each individual client. This means that such care may stretch beyond managing the physical symptoms of a condition, with associated treatments to dull any anxiety or depression too.

What Kind of Symptoms Can Palliative Care Treat?

Palliative care is not so much a treatment as an ongoing program to manage the symptoms of someone as part of their end-of-life care plan.

It is offered to those who face a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, as well as those whose lives have been altered by a condition or incident. As mentioned above, these symptoms can manifest both physically and mentally – with palliative care comprehensive enough in its scope to cover all of these issues and more.

How is Palliative Care Administered?

Again, this depends on the individual and their case, symptoms, and unique needs.

If palliative care is being offered at home as part of an end-of-life cycle, it may be that you choose to have a live-in carer who become a part of your family life, administering any medication and caring for the individual to ensure optimum comfort and relaxation.

Hospices are also designed to offer all manner of palliative care solutions, as are care homes and hospitals.

Each individual will have their own preferences when it comes to receiving care and living out their final days. Often and where possible, end-of-life care at home is often safer and provides a greater level of comfortable for all parties – giving the individual a chance to be in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their personal possessions and with family and friends around them.

However, there are other options – with our team able to help you understand these options and find the right one for you. Get in touch for more advice.