Chronic illnesses like cancer often cut many people’s lives short, while others who are given a terminal diagnosis will live for many years – and they need specialist support to help them manage their condition.
Looking after somebody with a progressive disease is known as Palliative Care. But what are the benefits of Palliative Care and how does it help people? Is it available to individuals who live for several years or only as they enter their final days?
As a specialist Palliative Care provider to people in their homes, our team at Vital Home Health Services regularly receives questions about this type of support – and in today’s article, we’re answering common queries to help you understand if this might be the right support for you or a loved one when progressing through a chronic illness.
What is the Meaning of Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is specialist support for people living with serious chronic conditions such as cancer, dementia, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), or organ failure, to name a few. The focus is on improving quality of life rather than curing the illness, with the primary objective to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and support the emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing of individuals and their families.
While often associated with end-of-life, palliative care treatment can begin much earlier when an individual is first diagnosed with a chronic illness. In this instance, the people providing support adjust the individual’s care plan over time in line with their changing needs.
Palliative care can be delivered at home, in hospital, palliative care units, aged care settings or hospices – wherever the individual feels most comfortable and supported.
What are the Phases of Palliative Care?
Medical experts define the palliative approach as a series of ‘stages’ of an individual’s illness, and care services are aligned with each stage to ensure the appropriate care at the right time. There are 5 Stages of Palliative Care, as follows:
Stage 1: Stable – carers prepare a plan and begin to deliver appropriate support
Stage 2: Unstable – care is adjusted as an individual’s symptoms change
Stage 3: Deteriorating – comfort and emotional support take priority
Stage 4: Terminal – care focuses on the final days or hours of life
Stage 5: Bereavement – support continues for the family after their loss
Understanding the phases is just as important to families as it is health professionals, so they know what to expect for their loved one as they progress through their illness.
Does Palliative Care Mean Death?
Palliative Care doesn’t always mean that death is imminent, and for many people, this is not the case.
People receiving palliative care know they have a terminal illness, yet often, they have no knowledge of when they will die. For example, an individual with MND might have a typical life expectancy of 2-3 years from diagnosis and then go on to live for another ten years.
Individuals who are only given a short time to live may go directly to a hospice for Palliative Care, or if agreed by their health team as safe and appropriate, spend their final days at home.
What is End of Life Care vs Palliative Care?
The two terms are not one and the same thing – although end of life care is very much a part of the palliative care process, and something that becomes necessary as a person enters their final days or hours.
As such, palliative care doesn’t necessarily begin when a person is nearing the end of their life. Some clients find it helps to have this care available from the time of their diagnosis, as this allows them to prepare a care plan for when their condition deteriorates.
What are the Common Palliative Symptoms?
People with chronic illnesses all experience different symptoms during their illness. According to NSW Health, the most common palliative symptoms are:
- Pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite / weight loss
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Breathing problems
- Depression and anxiety
It’s the objective of Palliative Care teams to relieve these symptoms and help individuals feel more comfortable. If you are supporting a loved one during this process, you can also help the care team by looking out for these symptoms or any changes to them as they arise.
How Can Families Help Their Loved Ones in Palliative Care?
Lots of families wonder what to do when someone is in palliative care. Even with a specialist care team looking after a loved one, close family members can play a big part in the process too.
Here are some practical ways to support someone during Palliative Care:
- Offer emotional presence: Simply being there, listening without judgement, and allowing space for conversation or quiet moments can be deeply comforting.
- Help manage daily tasks: Assist with meals, transport, household chores, or running errands to reduce stress and physical effort.
- Support care coordination: Attend appointments, take notes, and help communicate preferences or concerns to the care team.
- Encourage comfort and dignity: Ensure your loved ones’ personal preferences are respected, from their daily routines to how they manage pain and rest.
- Create moments of joy: Share stories, music, photos, or gentle activities that bring connection and peace.
- Stay informed: Learn about the illness and the Palliative Care process to feel more confident and involved in your loved one’s journey.
- Look after yourself: Seek support if you need it – because caring for someone else can be emotionally demanding, and your wellbeing matters too.
How Do Specialist Palliative Care Services Support Someone?
Everyone receiving Palliative Care has a unique set of circumstances – even when their chronic illness matches someone else’s. Yet the objective is always the same: to allow the individual quality of life.
Offering a range of specialist Palliative Care services ensures individual needs and circumstances can be met. Depending on the stage of illness and the type of support required, a tailored care plan may include:
- Relief from pain and symptoms – managing discomforts like pain, nausea, or breathlessness through medication, therapies, and supportive care strategies.
- Assistance with daily living – help with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, especially as physical abilities change.
- Clinical nursing support – overseeing medications, wound care, feeding support, continence management, and monitoring health changes.
- Access to equipment and resources – arranging mobility aids or other equipment to make care at home safer and more comfortable.
- Emotional, psychological and grief support – counselling for patients and families to navigate stress, anxiety, loss, or difficult emotions.
- Support with cultural and spiritual needs – providing space for rituals, beliefs, or cultural obligations that bring comfort and meaning.
- Family and care planning support – helping families have sensitive conversations, make informed choices, and plan future medical care.
- Connections to other services – referring to respite care, home help, or financial and social support as needed.
What is the Downside of Palliative Care Treatment?
No question, it can be highly challenging and emotional for families supporting a loved one during their palliative care.
While there are many clear benefits of Palliative Care – like pain relief, emotional support, and improved quality of life – it does come with some downsides. A common concern is the misconception that accepting Palliative Care means giving up hope as it is only for the final days of life. This misunderstanding can leave people thinking palliative care is bad, delaying them to acces valuable support that could improve their comfort and wellbeing much earlier on.
There can also be emotional hurdles, both for patients and families, as beginning Palliative Care requires acknowledging the seriousness of a condition. In some cases, access to specialist teams may be limited, particularly in rural or remote areas, and care can feel fragmented if not well coordinated across providers. However, these challenges can usually be addressed with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and the support of an experienced, trusted care provider.
How Does Vital Home Health Services Support People During Palliative Care?
Vital understands that being in familiar surroundings can make a world of difference when facing a serious illness. That’s why our Palliative Care Services are designed to be delivered at home, where comfort, memories, and a sense of peace can support overall wellbeing.
Whether it’s the early stages of a life-limiting condition or the final days of life, Vital works closely with your consultants and doctors to ensure the care provided meets the needs and wishes of you or your loved one – including an Advanced Care Directive if there is one in place.
What makes our in-home palliative management stand out?
- Personalised, high-quality care delivered in the comfort of your own home
- A consistent care team of experienced nurses and support staff
- Flexible services that adapt to your evolving needs
- The confidence of working with a fully accredited provider with over 30 years’ experience
Need more information about Palliative Care from Vital Home Health Services? Contact us today and discuss the needs of you or your loved one with our friendly team.
