ABOUT PALLIATIVE CARE
Based on the philosophy that everyone matters – palliative care involves addressing the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs and to facilitate patient independence, access to information, and choice. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists who work together with the patient’s other doctors to provide an added layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a life-limiting illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
The 4 Key Components of Palliative CareThe palliative care team plays an important part in enhancing a patient’s quality of life by:
- Recognising symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, breathing or swallowing difficulties, constipation, and hopelessness.
- Identifying the patient’s goals and needs so a palliative care plan can be developed specially for the patient.
- Understanding that many patients and their families struggle to make decisions. We help to facilitate difficult conversations between all parties so that trust can be established and relationships strengthened.
- Assisting with advanced care directives to help people formulate and communicate their preferences regarding care during future incapacity. It must be understood, however, that euthanasia cannot be accepted as part of palliative care.
To find out more about the individual aspects of palliative care, download any of the following brochures.
Aspect 1
What is Palliative Care
Palliative care is regarded as a holistic form of care because it takes into account a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing.Aspect 2
Decision-Making For The End of Life
Talking to your family and completing an advanced care plan is important so that your wishes for each stage of life are known.Aspect 3
What Can I say, What Can I do
Finding out that someone you know is living with a life-limiting illness can come as a shock. However, you can play an important role in making life as normal as possible for them.Aspect 4
Asking Questions Can Help
Most people who see a palliative care doctor for the first time have questions and concerns that are often forgotten in the rush of the moment. The purpose of this list of questions is to help you get the information you need about palliative care.Aspect 5
Fact About Morphine and Other Opioid Medicines in Palliative Care
Most people who see a palliative care doctor for the first time have questions and concerns that are often forgotten in the rush of the moment. The purpose of this list of questions is to help you get the information you need about palliative care.Aspect 6
Understanding Grief
Grief is a normal, natural and inevitable response to loss and can affect every part of our lives. Going through the process of grief is different for everybody, and that’s okay.Aspect 7