It’s often said that the family is the foundation of our society. They are the ones who support us through thick and thin, good times and bad. When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be difficult for the entire family to cope.

This is where palliative care comes in – it provides support for both the patient and their loved ones.

In this blog post, we will discuss the impact palliative care has on families and how they can benefit from this type of care.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms of a terminal illness and providing support to the patient and their loved ones during these tough times.

This type of care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals and aged care homes.

Palliative care teams are made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals who are specially trained in palliative care. 

What are the Different Types of Palliative Care?

There are two main types of palliative care: active and passive.

Active palliative care is focused on relieving the symptoms of a terminal illness and improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This type of care is provided by a palliative care team and can be given in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, and at home.

Passive palliative care is focused on providing comfort to the patient in their final days or weeks of life. This type of care is usually provided in a hospice setting.

Overall, palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, at home, or in long-term care facilities.

What are the Benefits of Palliative Care for Families?

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be difficult for the entire family to cope. The stress of dealing with a serious illness can be overwhelming and can cause tension within the family. Palliative care can help to ease this stress and provide support for the entire family.

Palliative care teams can also help with symptom management, so that the patient is more comfortable and able to spend time with their family and friends.

Palliative care can have a positive impact on families in many ways.

Relieves stress and anxiety

It can help relieve the stress and anxiety that comes with having a loved one who is terminally ill.

Receive emotional support

Palliative care teams can also provide emotional support and practical advice to families. They can help them with tasks such as managing finances, organizing medical appointments, and communicating with the patient’s doctors.

Provides information and support

Palliative care can also be a great resource for families who are struggling to cope with their loved one’s illness. The team can provide information and support on topics such as death and dying, grief, and coping with loss.

More quality time

Another benefit of palliative care is that it can help families to spend more quality time with their loved one. This can include things like having more relaxed visits, participating in activities together, and sharing memories.

Assist with decision making

The palliative care team can also help families to plan for the end of their loved one’s life. This includes helping them to make decisions about medical treatments, symptom management and appointments.

Palliative care teams can provide respite care, which gives caregivers a much-needed break from their caring duties. They can also help with symptom management, so that the patient is more comfortable and able to spend time with their family and friends.

How Can I Get Palliative Care for My Loved One?

If you are interested in getting palliative care for your loved one, the best place to start is by talking to their doctor.

The doctor can refer you to a palliative care team or hospice near you, or they may be able to provide advice on how to get care at home. Kew Gardens in Melbourne offers a range of care options for your loved ones, including palliative care.

You can also contact your local hospital or long-term care facility to see if they offer palliative care services. 

Palliative care can be a great resource for families who are struggling to cope with their loved one’s illness. While it can be difficult to see a loved one suffer and endure physical and emotional pain, palliative care provides support and guidance to families, which can help them to cope with the illness.

The team can provide information and support on topics such as death and dying, grief, and coping with loss to ensure families are as comfortable as possible during these hard times.