Often confused with “End of Life Care”, the definition of Palliative Care is as follows:

• Palliative care is the management of both physical and mental problems, including stress that is associated with patients that are suffering from a terminal or chronic illness.

• Palliative care cannot cure or treat the illness, but it does help to relieve the symptoms that are linked with the illness or disease to help promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle in so much as the illness allows. (quality of life).

• Palliative or comfort care (as it is sometimes called) can be provided alongside curative treatments to help lessen the side effects of some of the more aggressive types of treatment such as chemotherapy or surgical procedures.

• Palliative care focuses not just on the improvement of the physical quality of life but also on the enhancement of mind and spirit. It supports not just the person receiving the care but also helps enable loved ones to cope with the situation.
  

There are many other misconceptions about Palliative care, such as that it can only be offered in a formal care setting, such a hospital, hospice or nursing home, but many people choose to stay in their own home and have carers come in. Advinia has many highly trained and experienced carers, who specialise in this type of care.

There are choices available that can enable a person with a terminal or chronic illness to be cared for at home with the view to providing a holistic care package, which can support both them and their loved ones.

Palliative care is not simply about pain management and can be offered alongside treatment for whatever condition the person is suffering from.

Should you wish to know more about how the various Advinia services can assist you or a loved one with palliative care, please get in touch.