When should someone be offered palliative care?

Palliative care is specialist care provided to those living with a life-limiting or serious illness to help them manage pain and make the most out of life – but when should it be offered? While this is a very personal decision, this blog contains helpful information on the benefits of receiving palliative care so that you can decide when it’s the right time for you. 

Read on to learn more about the palliative care in Chadwell Heath, Romford we provide to support you and your family during this sensitive time. 

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is designed to support those who have been diagnosed with a serious, long-lasting disease, or a life-limiting illness such as cancer or dementia. The goal of palliative care is to ease pain and other troublesome symptoms, making your life as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. In addition to soothing physical pain, palliative care also focuses on providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support. The overall aim of palliative care is to improve your quality of life. It is often given alongside the primary care received from your doctor or to complement other medical treatments and therapies.

The benefits of specialised and sensitive support

Being diagnosed and living with a terminal illness can be painful and frightening. You don’t have to go through it alone. Palliative care provides the specialised and sensitive support you need to put the right plans in place to make life as easy as possible. Receiving specialised support ensures you can alleviate pain as much as possible and manage uncomfortable symptoms such as constipation, nausea, weight loss, weakness, trouble sleeping, bowel or bladder problems, diarrhoea and depression. 

When is palliative care appropriate?

Choosing when to receive palliative care is a personal decision. No matter when you decide that palliative care is right for you, the most important thing is that you feel empowered. It can be provided at any stage during your illness, whether that be your final weeks, months or even years. At the same time, you don’t have to wait until your disease has reached an advanced stage. It’s possible to begin receiving palliative care the moment you receive your diagnosis. This can be useful when dealing with any anxiety or depression that can accompany your diagnosis. 

Our palliative care services 

We have over 40 years of experience providing palliative and end-of-life care. To provide sensitive and high-quality care, our registered manager leads all carers in ‘death, dying and bereavement’ training. We will also coordinate with the wider team of healthcare professionals to create a bespoke care plan that truly matches your needs and wishes. Because family members and friends have peace of mind that their loved one is being looked after with the best care possible, visits can be centred around enjoying quality time together. 

Get in touch 

If you or a loved one require palliative care, our compassionate staff is here for your family during this difficult and emotional time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch or give us a call on either 0800 999 8499 or 0208 597 4175. We would be pleased to assist you in any way we can.