Tomorrow is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. And in this blog, one of our information development nurses Teri explains what palliative care is and why it's important, and gives some examples of palliative care.
Palliative care focuses on managing and controlling symptoms for someone who has an advanced, progressive condition. Although usually provided when a cure is no longer possible, palliative care can also help anyone with cancer who may need specialist help to control a symptom at any time.
The emphasis of palliative care is on quality of life and it aims to take a holistic approach. This means treating or managing pain and other physical symptoms, as well as helping with any psychological, social or spiritual needs.
Palliative care is provided by teams of specialist health care professionals who work alongside your cancer care team and GP. The palliative care team will include specialist doctors and nurses, such as Macmillan nurses or palliative care nurses. It may also include other professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers.
Members of the palliative care team will see you in hospital or a hospice, but also in your home. You can be referred to a Macmillan nurse or palliative care team by your GP, hospital consultant, a district nurse or a hospital ward manager.
There are many ways to help relieve symptoms of cancer and help someone feel more comfortable. Treatment may include the use of medicines, or different therapies that your palliative care team think you will benefit from.
You can read Macmillan information online about palliative care and cancer.
Managing pain
The palliative care team will assess the possible cause of the pain. This will help them decide on the best way to manage the pain. There are different types of painkiller that can be used to treat different types of pain. Many people find non-drug treatments or complementary therapies can also help relieve pain and may also make coping with it easier. Your Macmillan or palliative care nurse can provide emotional and practical support, which can also help to cope with pain.
We have more information on ways to manage pain.
Controlling nausea and vomiting
There can be many different reasons for nausea. The palliative care team will first find out the possible cause, which will help them to know how best to manage the nausea. There are different anti-sickness drugs that can be used. If you are unable to swallow a tablet, there are other ways you can have the drug. Listening to relaxation audio tracks, or taking part in activities that you find relaxing may also help you cope with nausea.
We have more information on ways to manage nausea and vomiting.
Difficulty sleeping
Having difficulty sleeping (insomnia) can be very frustrating and can make other symptoms worse. There are some things your palliative care team can suggest trying to improve your sleep. It can sometimes help to take a short course of sleeping tablets, but there are other methods you can try to help you to get a better night’s sleep.
We have more information on ways to manage insomnia.
Coping with eating problems
Many people find their treatment for cancer, or the cancer itself, can cause problems with eating including sickness, appetite loss and a sore mouth. There are many ways the palliative care team can help you with these symptoms. They can help find ways to increase your food intake which can also help your energy levels.
We have more information on managing eating problems.
End of life care
Palliative care includes caring for people who are nearing the end of life. This is called end of life care. Care includes practical and emotional support for the patient as well as their family. It can help people make informed decisions and plans about their care.
We have more information on care at the end of life.
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