Palliative care describes care given to relieve symptoms rather than treat the cause of an illness, the aim of which is to improve the quality of life of a patient who has a life-limiting illness. They can provide care within the persons own home or in a hospice setting. They can help in the following ways;
- Advice on symptom management
- Advice on living with life limiting illness
- Holistic assessment and advance care planning
- Information and signposting for patients and families, including financial matters
- Emotional and psychological support for patients and families
- Referrals to community services – for example district nurses, physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists to help maintain independence
- Support for patients and families in the last days of life
- Bereavement support