Palliative care at home

Many people living with terminal (incurable) illnesses wish to receive their care at home. Apollo Care Liverpool’s palliative care service offers those nearing the end of their lives the chance to remain in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by those they love.

In this article, we’ll explore what palliative care is and how to get it. 

What is palliative care?

Palliative care aims to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible when you’re living with a terminal illness. Treatment and care usually include symptom management and practical support to help you plan for the future or organise medication and equipment to give you a good quality of life. 

Palliative care also involves psychological, social and spiritual support for you and your family or carers. This holistic approach supports you as a person rather than focusing on just your illness or symptoms.

Who provides palliative care?

Typically, a range of healthcare professionals, including your GP and community nurses, coordinate the care of people with an incurable illness. Specialist palliative care consultants, nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists may provide additional care.

How do I get palliative care?

The healthcare professional overseeing your case will connect you with a local palliative care service or professional. To get a referral, speak with your GP, district nurse, or another healthcare professional. 

If you’re in a hospital, care home, nursing home, or hospice, the healthcare professionals there can arrange palliative care.

Do I have to pay for palliative care?

The NHS offers many aspects of palliative care, such as support from your GP or other health and social care professionals. 

Sometimes, you may have to, or prefer to, pay for particular types of support, including social care or home care. The cost will depend on where you live and your financial situation.

Yes. Family, friends, and carers can access emotional and practical palliative care. For example, they may be able to attend group or individual counselling sessions or speak with a social worker about making adjustments at home.

If you’re receiving palliative care from a hospice or other local service, the people close to you may also be able to get support from them.

Even if you decide against receiving palliative care, the people close to you can still get support from their GP, your GP or other health and social care professionals.

Where will I have palliative care?

Palliative care can be provided in various places, including your home, hospital, hospice, care home, or nursing home. 

Your healthcare professional can tell you what palliative care services are available in your area, where they are based, and how to access them.

Apollo Care Liverpool offers an at-home palliative care service which:  

• Eradicates being in a hospice or hospital
• Ensures your needs are reflected in your care plan
• Offers an open line of communication between patient, family and others involved in the patient’s care regime, such as GPs, other NHS staff and private health care professionals

Who provides palliative care?

The professionals involved in your care will depend on the care and support you need.

It’s essential for the patient to receive the best level of care from a specialist in palliative care. Our care staff are fully trained and provide palliative care services following an individualised plan we review daily.

Is there a difference between palliative care and end-of-life care? 

Yes. Whilst palliative care can include end-of-life care, it’s usually broader and lasts longer. Although it often transitions into end-of-life care, palliative care is available when you first learn you have a terminal illness. 

You can receive palliative care alongside other treatments for your condition. 

Meanwhile, end-of-life care offers treatment and support for people nearing the end of their lives. It’s usually provided to those who are thought to be in the last year of their lives. The aim is to help someone be as comfortable as possible in the time they have left and arrange for the finalisation of practicalities like Wills and wishes.

When does end-of-life care begin?

End-of-life care should begin when needed and may last days, weeks or months. Sometimes, palliative care can last for over a year. 

People are considered to be approaching the end of life when they are expected to die within 12 months. However, this is not always possible to predict, particularly for people whose death is imminent, as well as those who:

• Have an advanced incurable illness, such as cancer or dementia
• Are frail and have co-morbidities
• Have an existing or life-threatening condition caused by a sudden catastrophic event, like an accident or stroke

For some people getting support in the shape of tidying, cleaning, or making the beds can take just enough pressure off. We always need to remember that people are proud, and nobody wants to lose their independence. Admitting that you need support can be the most difficult step for most people. Click here to book a call.

My Dad is battling with the fact that he knows parts of his brain are dying. He has always felt capable and useful, so understanding these feelings is a must when I try to help, and it should be for you too.

You can also search online for palliative care services near you or contact Apollo Care Liverpool for local, expert advice. 

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If you’d like more information about our Palliative Care service, we’re here to help. 

Email info@apollocare.co.uk or visit our Care Offices page to find your nearest care office.