This article explains what private palliative care at home is and when it might be needed. It covers why this care is important, especially for people with serious illnesses like cancer or dementia, and how it helps both patients and their families feel more comfortable and supported during tough times.

When Should Someone Be Offered Palliative Care?

Palliative care is crucial for individuals who are living with a terminal illness, where treatment is no longer able to offer a cure. The primary purpose of this care is to offer the best possible quality of life. Healthcare professionals, including your GP, might refer an individual for palliative care when it is perceived necessary. 

Typically, this form of care is offered when a person is confirmed to have a serious, terminal illness. These diseases could include, but aren't exclusive to; cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease. Symptoms that require palliative care attention frequently include pain sensations, difficulty in breathing, tiredness, and feelings of anxiety.

The objective of this medical aid is to minimise these symptoms as much as possible. Palliative care is beneficial as it supports not just the individuals suffering from these diseases, but also those around them, including their friends and family.

It's vital to offer emotional and psychological help to all those involved, not just the patient. It's essential to note that the timeframe for palliative care isn't explicit, as it significantly depends on the individual's condition and specific needs. While it's often associated with end-of-life care, in reality, it can be provided at any stage of a severe illness. The priority is always the patient's quality of life, regardless of the condition's stage.

Assisting with tasks such as dressing and managing medication, carers endeavour to ease the individual's daily routine, thus alleviating any continued stress. Importantly, they also provide emotional and spiritual support, not just to the individual receiving care but also to their family during such challenging times.

Having a dependable team of carers always ready to provide help at home can be a priceless resource. Their constant availability is not just reassuring but practically beneficial. These healthcare professionals are not solely limited to providing vital medical care and monitoring symptoms, they actively participate in educating and offering advice to the patient and their family.

The role of these professionals is crucial in creating a supportive environment and reducing the sense of helplessness often perceived during the treatment period. They can provide precise responses to any queries or concerns that may arise and importantly, they can also provide essential respite care for family members. In essence, private palliative care at home can significantly enhance an individual's quality of life during this challenging phase by offering a personalised, comprehensive support system.

When Should Someone Be Offered Palliative Live-in Home Care?

Palliative live-in home care is a beneficial type of service that is generally offered when an individual's requirements can no longer be adequately handled by periodic day visits. It is designed to provide individuals with a round-the-clock professional caregiver who can offer continuous assistance and support, day and night.

This type of care service is most beneficial when the individual's symptoms become more severe and frequent, or if they are in need of help with their personal care activities. This comprehensive care solution can make an enormous difference in the individual's quality of life.

By having a caregiver present, the person can remain in the familiar, comfortable environment of their own home. It allows for personalised, constant attention and makes sure that the person does not have to deal with feelings of loneliness or helplessness.

Another crucial aspect of palliative live-in care is the assistance provided for personal care activities. For instance, many individuals may require help with tasks such as bathing, eating, or moving around the house due to their deteriorating health condition.

The live-in carer supports these activities of daily living, making life more comfortable and manageable for their care recipient. Palliative live-in home care brings peace of mind to both the patient and their loved ones, knowing that high-quality, compassionate care is being provided at all times. 

Their invaluable support can ensure that the person's needs are addressed and any discomfort they may feel is minimised. The care team can assist with daily tasks that have become difficult to manage, ensuring the person can maintain dignity and quality of life, regardless of their condition's severity.

In addition, end-of-life care for individuals living with dementia may extend to supporting their families. It's essential to understand that the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with a terminal condition can be immense.

The person's family may need support to manage this emotional distress that inherently accompanies such a situation. In summation, appreciating the nuances of each individual's journey with dementia aids in delivering efficient palliative care. It not only entails taking care of the person but also extends to providing crucial support to their loved ones during these challenging times.

When Does End-of-life Care Begin?

End-of-life is a term that is commonly used to define the period in which people are in their final stages of life. This usually starts when the person is predicted to live for approximately 12 months or less. At this stage, more focus is concentrated on quality of life rather than quantity, an approach which helps support the individual in living out the remainder of their life as comfortably and peacefully as possible.

The primary intention of end-of-life care is, therefore, to assist the person in managing their health conditions successfully while maximising their well-being through effective pain management and alleviation of other physical symptoms such as discomfort. This might involve medical treatments and therapies catered to control symptoms as well as mitigate the impacts of the disease or the side effects of the treatment.

End-of-life care mirrors palliative care in various aspects, particularly in its holistic approach in treating not just the physical ailment, but also addressing the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the person. The goal is to ensure the individual does not only receive relief from the physical suffering, but also achieves a state of total wellbeing in all other aspects of their life.

The beauty of end-of-life care is its inclusivity. It doesn't only involve the person solely, but it also integrates their family members and their carers as partners in planning and delivering this care. This collective participatory approach ensures that the individual's views, wishes and preferences are honoured. Family involvement is especially beneficial for providing emotional and psychological support, thereby reducing feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness that the individual may experience during this time.

Another valuable aspect of end-of-life care is its flexibility. Care can be administered in different ways, such as in a hospital, a care home, or even at the individual's residence for utmost comfort and familiarity.

Customisation of care programs and adjustments to best meet the unique needs and requirements of each person are a hallmark of end-of-life care. In a nutshell, end-of-life care signifies human compassion and integrity, ensuring the person lives the rest of their life in dignity, comfort, and peace amidst the confronting reality of death.

Our compassionate specialist caregivers provide palliative care in the comfort of your home. Companions Home Care offers personalised assistance and support for your loved ones with diverse care requirements. Get in touch with us today to explore our palliative home care services available in London.