When should someone be offered palliative care?

Palliative care often carries a lot of misconceptions. Many people assume it’s only relevant in the final stages of life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, palliative care is about enhancing quality of life and providing support – both emotional and physical – at any stage of a serious illness.

Here, we take a closer look at when palliative care might be the right choice and how it can make a difference for both patients and their families.

Support from the start

Hearing the words ‘life-limiting illness’ can be overwhelming. That’s where palliative care comes in. It’s not about giving up hope or stopping treatment; it’s about adding an extra layer of support from the moment of diagnosis.

Organisations like Palliative Care Australia emphasise that palliative care can and should start early. The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care agrees, stating it can begin ‘at any stage of your illness’.

But what does this mean in practice? Early palliative care helps patients and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with a serious diagnosis, offering tools to cope while still pursuing treatment options.

Managing symptoms and enhancing comfort

Living with a serious illness often means dealing with symptoms like pain, breathlessness or nausea. Palliative care is designed to address these issues, ensuring individuals can live as comfortably and fully as possible.

It’s not about stepping back from treatment – it’s about integrating care that supports the whole person. Whether someone is undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis or other therapies, palliative care focuses on improving their day-to-day experience.

Working alongside curative treatments

Here’s a common myth: you can’t have palliative care if you’re still trying to treat your illness. The truth? Palliative care works beautifully alongside curative treatments.

This approach, often called ‘supportive palliative care’, allows individuals to benefit from symptom relief and emotional support while still actively pursuing medical treatments. It’s a partnership that prioritises the patient’s wellbeing at every step.

When needs become more complex

As illnesses progress, care needs often become more challenging. Worsening symptoms, increased reliance on support or new complications can make it harder for individuals and families to manage alone.

This is where the expertise of palliative care teams truly shines. From fine-tuning pain management to providing guidance on medications or caregiving strategies, these specialists help make life more manageable and dignified.

Supporting the whole person

Palliative care isn’t just about addressing physical symptoms – it’s about nurturing the whole person. Emotional, social and spiritual needs are just as important as physical comfort.

This might include counselling, grief support or assistance with advance care planning. It’s about helping patients and families find peace, meaning and connection during a challenging time.

Making choices with confidence

Decisions about care can feel overwhelming. Palliative care teams help patients and families understand their options, from treatment choices to end-of-life planning.

These conversations, while sometimes difficult, are incredibly empowering. They ensure that care aligns with the patient’s values, preferences and goals, offering peace of mind for everyone involved.

Remember…

If you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, don’t hesitate to ask about palliative care. It’s not a sign of giving up – it’s a way to ensure you’re fully supported every step of the way.