End-of-Life Care vs Palliative Care: What’s the Difference?

Both forms of care take into account the needs of the individual, meaning no two people will receive the same form of end-of-life or palliative care. 

Does Palliative Mean End-of-Life Care?

No, palliative care doesn’t mean end-of-life care. Each specialised care is designed with a specific purpose in mind.

However, palliative care can often lead to the need for end-of-life care during the later stages of the condition, illness, or injury the person has. When a person receives a terminal diagnosis, they’ll likely be put onto palliative care for support, treatment, and symptom management. 

When a person reaches the end of this terminal diagnosis and treatment is no longer possible, that’s when their care team may consider switching them to end-of-life care. 

Doctors and nurses looking after your loved one will always let you know when a change in their care is necessary, as well as inform you of their plans going forward. 

When Are Patients Switched From Palliative to End-of-Life Care?

End-of-life care is typically introduced to the patient towards the very end of their palliative care plan. However, there is no one standardised plan for palliative care. Instead, healthcare providers like the NHS use a needs-based model, adjusting their care as and when it’s needed. 

We know when so much about your loved one’s care is unknown, it makes an already difficult situation feel even harder. So, in general, you can expect the following from palliative care: 

• Stage 1: A Care Plan Is Created – The medical team looking after your loved one will create a bespoke plan, including treatment, pain relief, symptom management, and religious or spiritual guidance. 

• Stage 2: Their Care Begins – With a bespoke care plan created, the medical team can now focus on looking after your loved one. The NHS makes holistic therapies available here to support their care, such as music therapy or meditation. 

• Stage 3: Care is Reassessed – Specialist equipment like adjustable beds, walk-in showers, or nebulisers may be required to adjust care as the condition progresses. Medical teams reassess to ensure their care is in tune with where the patient is at. 

• Stage 4: End-of-Life Care Starts – Here is where we typically see the introduction of end-of-life care. Your loved one’s medical team will invite you in to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you have. 

• Stage 5: Grief Management – Once your loved one has passed, grief management will be offered to the immediate family for support during this difficult time. You may be offered grief counselling, emotional support, or pointed in the direction of bereavement services. 

Who Delivers Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care?

Both palliative care and end-of-life care involve a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers. 

Generally, palliative care is delivered in a hospital, before moving to a hospice once end-of-life care begins. However, you can also arrange for palliative and end-of-life care to be delivered from the patient’s home or the home of a loved one.

Care at home keeps them in an environment they’re familiar with and comfortable in, which can be a meaningful benefit towards the final stages. 

Mountbatton Care Delivers Compassionate Palliative Care at Home

Here at Mountbatton Care, we understand how difficult it can be when someone you care about is on palliative or end-of-life care – we’re here to make it that bit easier. 

We provide CQC-registered palliative care for people diagnosed with terminal illness or living with life-limiting conditions. With over 20 years of experience supporting those with complex care needs, you can trust us to do what’s right for your loved one. 

Get in touch today to discuss our palliative care services. You can reach us via phone on 0151 920 5797 for Liverpool or 01704 231 231 for our Southport team. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and a member of our team will give you a call back.