What are the three forms of palliative care?

When you or your loved one is facing serious illnesses, the right care can make a difference. Palliative care helps patients by offering comfort, dignity, and support throughout every stage of their journey. It is a form of medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and stress while ensuring that personal preferences are respected.

We take a holistic approach to palliative care in residential aged care, ensuring that care can be provided in a supportive environment that prioritises compassion and respect. Whether through palliative care at home, hospice care, or palliative care in hospitals, we aim to provide the best possible care for every individual.

This blog explores the 3 forms of palliative care also known as:

• Physical forms of palliative care – Managing pain and other symptoms.
• Emotional forms of palliative care – Supporting psychological and mental well-being.
• Spiritual forms of palliative care – Addressing beliefs and values, and offering a beacon of hope in difficult times.
  

These forms of palliative care provide essential support at every stage of the journey, helping both patients and their families navigate their experiences with dignity and compassion.

1. Physical pain management

Managing symptoms and stress is arguably the most important of the three main forms of palliative care. Patients receiving palliative care often experience a range of physical discomforts, including nausea, breathlessness, pain, and fatigue. Our focus is to relieve physical suffering, ensuring comfort and dignity.

We tailor pain and symptom management plans to meet each resident's unique needs. Our palliative care team of healthcare professionals follows evidence-based approaches to create a care plan prioritising well-being.

Our treatment methods may include:

• Medications or treatments to relieve discomfort and manage symptoms.
• Non-pharmacological techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, and support services like physiotherapy.
• Dietary adjustments to help maintain nutrition and reduce digestive issues.
• Optimised exercise plans to improve mobility and enhance quality of life.
  

By focusing on personalised care, we help improve the quality of life for every individual we support.

2. Emotional support

Emotional support helps individuals and families process the impact of a life-limiting condition. The stress of a serious illness can bring overwhelming emotions, including anxiety and depression, grief, and uncertainty. Our approach ensures that no one feels alone in this journey.

Understanding the psychological impact

Living with serious illnesses takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Many individuals experience distress, and families often struggle with the loss of a loved one before it even happens. Communication between patients and their families can help ease emotional burdens, allowing everyone to connect on a deeper level and process feelings together.

Our approach

Our palliative care teams provide comprehensive emotional support tailored to each resident's and their family's needs. Our support services include:

• Counselling services for residents and families to explore their emotions and coping mechanisms.
• Group support sessions offer a sense of community for those going through similar experiences.
• Mental and emotional well-being programs, including music and art therapy, are designed to foster comfort and peace.
  

Creating a supportive environment

Our supportive environment is designed to help both residents and their families feel safe, heard, and valued. With compassionate professionals by your side, you can navigate the emotional challenges of palliative care with reassurance and understanding.

3. Spiritual care

For many, spiritual care is a crucial part of palliative support. It helps individuals reflect on their beliefs and values, find closure, and gain peace during their final days. Spiritual forms of palliative care address both religious and non-religious needs, ensuring that all individuals receive the support that is meaningful to them.

The essence and importance of spiritual care

Spiritual support means different things to different people. Some find comfort in religious practices, while others seek existential conversations about the meaning of life. Spiritual care providers help individuals navigate these deep reflections, acting as a beacon of hope during uncertain times.

Addressing diverse spiritual needs

We honour patients' preferences, providing space for reflection, prayer, or discussions with spiritual care providers. Our services may include:

• Meditation and mindfulness for relaxation and clarity.
• Prayer services for those who find comfort in religious traditions.
• Rituals and ceremonies, customised to individual beliefs.
• Life review discussions, help individuals find peace in their experiences.

The role of spiritual well-being

When incorporated into palliative care, spirituality enhances the overall quality of life. It supports residents and their families in living with serious conditions while ensuring that their emotional and existential needs are met.

Palliative care at MACG

At MACG, we provide residential palliative, ensuring every person receives the best possible care in a setting that aligns with their needs. Whether you require inpatient palliative care, support in a hospice care setting, or want to speak with a doctor about palliative care, we are here to help.

We understand that palliative care operates on multiple levels, ensuring individuals receive personalised support that evolves as their condition changes. Palliative care is typically designed to focus on improving comfort, symptom relief, and emotional well-being at every stage.

If you have any concerns, we encourage you to ask your doctor for more information. Our team is always ready to offer guidance and compassionate support, ensuring you and your loved ones receive the end-of-life care, dignity, and respect you deserve.