How can palliative care help?

The palliative care team is there to help make life easier for you, your family and carers in a variety of ways, including:

• If you’re living at home, the team can call or visit regularly. This can reduce feelings of isolation and fear, help your carers look after you, and keep you out of hospital.
• The team can help dispel any myths and misconceptions about advanced cancer you or your family and carers have.
• Your care is usually coordinated by one person who communicates with the team on your behalf.
• The team can help you to make treatment decisions and to prepare for the changes that advanced cancer brings.
• Adjustments around the house can make things easier and safer for you, your family and carers. The team can help you identify suitable equipment and aids (e.g. a shower chair).
• The team can assist you with planning for the future, such as thinking about the type of care you may need and where you would prefer to receive care.
• Your palliative care service may offer a number you can call for advice in an emergency at any time of day or night.
• The team can provide emotional support – a social worker, counsellor or psychologist can help you work out your goals and how to achieve them. These goals may be specific end-of-life wishes, but can also simply involve getting the most out of each day (e.g. enjoying time with friends and family).
• The social worker or counsellor can help you and your family deal with loss or grief. Counselling can be worthwhile to help you deal with the changes advanced cancer brings.

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