top of page

Understanding Palliative Care

  • Writer: Raaj Purohit
    Raaj Purohit
  • Dec 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 15

Support for Living Well with a Serious Illness

Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and improving quality of life for people living with a serious or life-limiting illness. It is often misunderstood, but it is not just about the final stages of life.

Palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness, alongside other treatments. It provides an extra layer of support that focuses on the whole person, not just the condition.


This guide will help you understand what palliative care is, how it works, and how it might benefit you or a loved one.


What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a holistic approach that supports people with serious health conditions. It aims to reduce pain, manage symptoms, and improve overall well-being. It also supports emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

Palliative care is not only for people at the end of life. It can be introduced early after diagnosis and continue alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other medical care.


Who Is It For?

Palliative care can support people of all ages who are living with a life-limiting or complex illness, including:

  • Cancer

  • Heart failure

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Dementia

  • Motor neurone disease (MND)

  • Advanced liver or kidney disease

It is also available for people with multiple health conditions or those whose illness is progressing and impacting daily life.


What Does Palliative Care Involve?

Palliative care is provided by a team of professionals who work together to support each individual’s unique needs. This may include doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, therapists, and chaplains.

Support can include:

  • Managing symptoms – such as pain, breathlessness, fatigue, or nausea

  • Emotional and psychological support – including counselling and mental health support

  • Spiritual care – for those who find comfort in religion, faith, or personal values

  • Practical support – such as help with making decisions about treatment or care planning

  • Family support – offering guidance and reassurance to loved ones

The main goal of palliative care is to help each person live as fully and comfortably as possible.


Where Is Palliative Care Provided?

Palliative care can be delivered in many settings, depending on the person’s needs and preferences:

  • At home

  • In hospitals

  • In hospices

  • In care homes or nursing homes

  • In outpatient clinics or community settings

Some people may receive support from a visiting team, while others may access care through specialist services.


Palliative Care vs End-of-Life Care

It is important to understand the difference between palliative care and end-of-life care:

  • Palliative care can begin early in the course of a serious illness and may continue for months or even years.

  • End-of-life care is a specific type of palliative care provided in the final weeks or months of life when someone is approaching the end of their life.

All end-of-life care is palliative care, but not all palliative care is end-of-life care.


When Should You Consider Palliative Care?

You may want to explore palliative care if:

  • You or a loved one has a long-term or life-limiting condition

  • Symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, or fatigue are affecting daily life

  • You need emotional, psychological, or spiritual support

  • You want help planning for the future or making care decisions

  • You are balancing ongoing treatment with a need for more holistic support

You do not need to wait until a condition is advanced. Asking for support early can improve quality of life and help you feel more in control.


How Can CFA Help?

At Care Finder Assist (CFA), we understand that navigating serious illness can be overwhelming. We are here to help you:

  • Understand the different types of palliative and supportive care

  • Find providers who specialise in palliative or end-of-life care

  • Explore your options with sensitivity and compassion

  • Make informed decisions that feel right for you and your family


Our service is completely free and tailored to your needs. Book your free consultation here. Let us help you find the care and support you deserve.


Stay Informed and Supported

Looking for more support or guidance? Visit our Resources Page for checklists, tools, and guides, or read more in the CFA Blog for articles on care, well-being, and family support.

Stay connected — Subscribe to our blog to receive helpful updates and expert tips straight to your inbox.


Useful Links

Here are some trusted organisations offering further information and support:

Disclaimer

Care Finder Assist provides guidance to help individuals and families explore suitable care options. We do not offer medical or financial advice. For specific advice, please speak to a qualified health or financial professional.

bottom of page