Palliative care is a holistic approach to care focused on keeping people as safe and comfortable as possible throughout their illness. Palliative care can last for a few days or many years – there is no set amount of time that palliative care must last.
You do not need to wait until the advanced stages of your illness to begin palliative care. Palliative care may be appropriate any time a person feels they could benefit from extra physical, emotional or practical support to face the challenges that their illness or condition presents.
For over 75 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has provided bespoke palliative care in the comfort of our client’s homes. Our carers will provide supportive, pragmatic and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care that enhances comfort and well-being.
Here you can learn more about palliative care and how long it lasts.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative care is the treatment, care and support for people with a life-limiting or chronic illness. Palliative care ensures that a person needing care can have a good quality of life and remain as independent and active as possible throughout their illness, for however long that is.
Care includes managing physical symptoms such as pain and discomfort, providing personal care which may have become difficult for the person to do themselves, and offering emotional, spiritual and psychological support.
Because palliative care is a holistic approach, it involves a multidisciplinary team, often involving primary doctors, specialists, therapists and care and social workers.
WHEN SHOULD PALLIATIVE CARE BEGIN?
When someone is living with a life-limiting or chronic condition and they need considerable support to manage pain or symptoms, palliative care should be considered.
Palliative care can begin anytime after a person receives their diagnosis. In fact, for many people, the earlier they start palliative care, the better. Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that considers all of a person’s practical, emotional and spiritual needs. It can be provided alongside a person’s primary care.
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether palliative care is right for you. If treating your symptoms or managing your pain is preventing you from leading the life you want, then it may be time to seek additional support. Palliative care can help you manage your symptoms and receive the emotional support you need to enhance your quality of life.
HOW LONG DOES PALLIATIVE CARE LAST?
There is no time limit for palliative care – it can last for as long as it benefits the patient. Some people live for many months or years after they begin palliative care, while others may even make a full recovery and no longer require care. Palliative care is about helping people improve their quality of life despite the challenges of their illness for however long it is required.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT PALLIATIVE CARE
You can only receive palliative care if you are nearing the end of your life.
Palliative care does not necessarily mean the end of life. While it’s true that palliative care is provided to people with life-limiting illnesses, some people live for many years while receiving palliative care, while others go on to make a full recovery.
Palliative care is only provided in a hospital or hospice.
You do not need to remain in the hospital or move into a hospice or care home to receive palliative care. Palliative care can be provided in several settings, and in many cases, palliative care can be offered right in the comfort of your own home.
Palliative care only treats physical symptoms like pain.
Palliative care can help treat or help manage a variety of symptoms, including pain or discomfort. Palliative care can also provide practical support with day-to-day tasks, medication management, companionship and emotional support.
Regular treatment stops when palliative care begins.
Palliative care coexists alongside your other therapies and treatments. The goal of palliative care is to improve your quality of life and relieve symptoms, so it is provided along with treatment intended to cure illness.
Palliative care is only for the person receiving care.
While palliative care is provided primarily to support someone living with an ongoing illness, it is a holistic approach that also considers the well-being of the whole family. Your palliative care team will do what they can to support you and your family through this difficult time.
EXPERT PALLIATIVE CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME
At Prestige Nursing & Care, we believe that with the right support in place, people needing palliative or end-of-life care can continue living a meaningful and dignified life in their own homes.
For over 75 years, we have supported individuals in need of palliative care to enjoy an improved quality of life in their own homes and communities. We are trusted by families throughout the country to provide sensitive and respectful palliative care that evolves to meet changing needs. All whilst ensuring a person’s choices and wishes are met, right up to the end of their life.
We work collaboratively with our clients and their families to develop a thorough care and support plan that accurately reflects a person’s holistic needs. We also adopt a partnership approach to working with local authority partners, NHS services, multidisciplinary teams, therapists and other community bodies involved in a person’s care.
This means we are well-informed to provide continuity of care, ensuring the right care is in place at the right time. All whilst responding efficiently to changing needs and strengthening care provision when required.
Learn more about our expert palliative care delivered by care experts.
