How Long Does Palliative Care Last?

The length in which a person will receive palliative care depends on a number of factors, including their condition, symptoms and when their care started. To understand how long palliative care might last, it’s essential to understand the definition of this type of care and why it is implemented. In this blog, we’ll explore what palliative care is, how it differs from end-of-life care and how long it can last.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialised medical support for those with an incurable or life-limiting condition. This can include chronic illness, disease or simply reaching the end of life due to old age. It is also suitable for those who have experienced an acute health event such as a stroke or accident and will not make a full recovery. Those in palliative may have cancer, motor neurone disease or the later stages of dementia, although dementia care is sometimes regarded as it’s own type of care due to the unique challenges associated with the condition.

Pain management and symptom relief are key parts of palliative care, but it also provides emotional, spiritual and psychological support. This holistic approach also brings companionship, medication management and help with day-to-day tasks and personal care. Treating pain, fatigue, nausea and emotional distress in this holistic way ensures comfort and helps provide peace of mind.

A multidisciplinary team helps deliver palliative care, meaning that GPs, care home nurses, physical therapists and other specialists are all involved. This is where a regularly updated, personalised care plan is important for communication and to ensure comfort in final stages of a person’s life. Person-centred care will make sure the individual is kept well-informed about their situation, using language they can understand. Residents receiving palliative care are empowered to make informed decisions about treatment options in line with their goals and personal values.

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, to promote dignity and enhance quality of life during a difficult time. It is not only delivered in a hospice, in fact, it can be given in a care home or even your own home. The benefits of receiving palliative care in a care home include being in a purpose built, safe environment with 24/7 on-call support from a compassionate team. The social setting also provides peer support and the opportunity to mix with like-minded people in a similar situation.

What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and End of Life Care?

Palliative care and end-of-life care are sometimes used interchangeably but they are not exactly the same. End of life care is a stage of palliative care that specifically supports those in the final few months, week or days of their life. It allows the person to decide how their life will end and where they would like to receive such care using their personalised care plan.

End of life care is usually designed for people who are expected to pass away within the next 12 months or imminently, but this can be difficult to predict. This is different to palliative care, which can begin as soon as a person is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and can potentially last for several years. Curative treatments do not necessarily stop when starting palliative care, as symptom management and a holistic approach to improving quality of life is the primary goal. Because of this, some people receiving palliative care can even go on to make a full recovery.

For both types of care, a person’s GP will oversee the individual’s medical needs, including in a care home. Family members will be kept involved and informed at all stages, as well as educated on the condition and potential treatment options. End of life support will often also include bereavement support for the person’s family or loved ones.

When Should Palliative Care Begin?

Because it is so often associated with end of life care, it can be daunting to make the move toward palliative care. However, it’s not necessary to wait until the advanced stage of an illness to begin care. Palliative care provides extra emotional, practical and physical support, so it can therefore begin whenever a person feels they would benefit from this additional support. 

Palliative care does not mark the end of curative treatments, instead it enhances overall wellbeing by not replacing medical interventions. In fact, some ongoing medications or treatments may be necessary for reducing symptoms or prolonging life, if needed or desired by the individual. If a care home resident decides to transition fully to palliative care and stop curative treatments, this should be an informed decision made with their family and healthcare providers, based on the individual’s goals and preferences.

Although palliative care can start at any stage, early intervention allows residents to benefit from holistic support for longer. A personalised care plan can be built upon for emotional and practical support throughout their journey, and is likely to reduce psychological stress.

If you’re deciding whether palliative care is right for you or your loved one, it’s a good idea to think about what you want to get out of it, and how your condition is currently affecting you. You may benefit from this additional support if the process of managing your symptoms and pain is preventing you from living the life you want. Palliative care may be right for you if you have a progressive illness or experience unresolved symptoms or significant emotional distress and psychological challenges. From a physical health standpoint, this type of care can help with complex needs that require specialised attention or coordinating medical care across multiple providers.

The whole-person approach means you are not defined by your illness. The stage you choose to begin palliative care depends entirely on your needs and wishes, as it is designed to address your physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological and social needs.

How Long Does Palliative Care Last?

For reasons we have discussed, there is no set amount of time palliative care must last and it is entirely dependent on the individual’s condition. This type of holistic care can last for a few days or a few years and is tailored to each unique person to give them the best quality of life possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness or condition and could benefit from additional, comprehensive support, you can start receiving palliative care. You may already live in a mixed community living care home that offers different levels of care, in which case you can begin receiving palliative care without moving out. Speak to your nurses about your personalised care plan to find the best, tailored solution for you. When looking for a care home, it is important to research various homes near you, taking into account the quality of care, real reviews of each home and the aspects of life that are important to you.

Palliative Care in Kelty

Here at Benarty View Care Home in Fife, we provide compassionate palliative and end of life care. Our devoted team go the extra mile to ensure that resident’s wishes are met and the very best quality of life is achieved. Residents also have access to our range of all-inclusive luxury facilities, including cosy and relaxing communal areas, private gardens to connect with nature and a variety of socially and mentally stimulating activities. If you’re looking for exceptional care in Kelty, please get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange a home tour.