A Complete Guide to Palliative and End-of-Life Care
We understand that contemplating palliative care for yourself or a loved one is not easy, and that there can often be confusion around what this means, who it applies to and where it can take place.
The following guide has been created to answer some of the frequent questions we are asked about palliative care, and to share information which we hope will be help you to understand the options available, and how these can be tailored to individual needs, preferences and wishes.
How palliative care supports quality of life
Palliative care is not just about the relief of physical symptoms in an individual’s final days, it is about enhancing their quality of life at every stage. Palliative care can start from the point an individual is diagnosed with a chronic or life-limiting illness, and can run alongside other therapies which aim to prolong life.
Palliative care is holistic, and considers the person as a whole, taking into account their physical, social, cultural, and spiritual needs. This ensures that the individual’s rights are respected, and that they receive palliative care which promotes and incorporates the things that are important to them.
What is the meaning of palliative care?
The true meaning of palliative care is expert support which improves and promotes the comfort, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals living with serious or life-limiting conditions. The final stage of palliative care is end-of-life care, which focuses on supporting the individual in their final precious days and weeks.
Bespoke palliative care is only possible with an understanding of the individual as a person, their preferences, and their wishes for the future. At Somerset Care, we invite our residents and their families to have an Advanced Care Planning discussion with us to inform their future care. This enables us to document the individual’s unique priorities, needs and preferences, and set out a tailored, individual palliative care plan, which can be updated if their circumstances or wishes change.
During this discussion, we cover things like what is important to the individual and what makes them happy, any preferences they have for their palliative care including where they would like to be cared for (including provision for palliative care at home), and also invite an open conversation about anything that they might be worried about or do not fully understand.
The purpose of Advanced Care Planning is to provide comfort and reassurance for the individual and their loved ones, giving them the opportunity to shape their person-centred care plan, share what it important to them, and to ensure that all possible measures are in place to enhance their quality of life throughout.
What are the 5 stages of palliative care?
People often talk about palliative care in 5 stages. These are generally accepted to be:
- The creation of a bespoke care plan – based on the individual’s needs, preferences and wishes for their palliative care.
- The provision of emotional and spiritual support – to assist the individual and their loved ones with acceptance of their diagnosis.
- The provision of early-stage support – to enable the individual to live as full and fulfilling a life as possible with their condition.
- The transition to end-of-life care– supporting and enhancing the individual’s quality of life through tailored palliative care in their final days.
- The support of loved ones – during and after the individual’s passing.
Whilst these 5 stages of palliative care set out a chronological overview of the support provided to an individual and their loved ones, at Somerset Care, we prefer to consider the seven pillars of palliative care. These are our core values which are applied from the moment an individual receives a diagnosis of an illness from which they are not expected to recover, and which continue beyond the individual’s passing.
Somerset Care’s seven pillars of palliative care are:
- Dignity and Respect – every person is recognised and respected as an individual, who is entitled to have as much control as possible over their lives and care, even when approaching the end of their life.
- Choice – every person is offered a choice of appropriate options for their care, based on clear and accurate information. Their wishes and preferences for their future care are discussed, documented and implemented via advance care planning.
- Equality – every person is treated equally, and their background, needs, culture and preferences are valued up to, and following, the end of their lives.
- Rights – the individual and human rights of every person are safeguarded, and they are supported to feel safe throughout their palliative care.
- Fulfilment – every individual is enabled and supported to partake in activities which are meaningful to them, including spiritual or religious activities, if this is in line with their individual’s wishes.
- Privacy – every person has the right to be left alone if they wish, and to be free from unnecessary intrusion into their affairs.
- Confidentiality – at the end of life, as at every other life stage, an individual’s personal data will be managed appropriately and in line with data protection safeguards.
These seven pillars of palliative care ensure quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones, whilst following best practice and NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) Guidelines for end-of-life care.
What is Somerset Care’s approach to palliative care?
Facing a life-limiting diagnosis or approaching the end of life is an emotional and challenging time – for individuals and their loved ones. At Somerset Care, we understand how important it is to receive the best possible care in a setting that feels safe, familiar, and comforting.
Somerset Care offers expert-led palliative and end-of-life care across six purpose-built nursing homes located in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Somerton and Exeter. Each home is designed to provide a peaceful environment where individuals can receive high-quality care tailored to their needs and preferences.
We can also support palliative care at home, for individuals who wish to remain in familiar surroundings.
Our nurse-led teams specialise in:
- Pain management and symptom control.
- Emotional and psychological support.
- Comfort-focused care planning.
- Support for families and loved ones.
Whether you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one, our goal is to provide calm, dignity, and expert support at every stage.
What can I expect when enquiring about palliative care with Somerset Care?
When you contact Somerset Care about palliative or end-of-life care, our experienced team will guide you through every step:
- Initial Consultation
We’ll listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you understand the options available. Whether you’re enquiring for immediate palliative care or planning ahead, we’re here to support you. - Care Assessment
Our clinical team will assess the individual’s needs to ensure the most appropriate care setting and support plan. This includes reviewing medical history, current symptoms, and personal preferences. - Funding Guidance
You may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, which can cover the full cost of palliative care. We’ll help you understand the criteria and support you through the application process. - Placement and Transition
Once funding and care needs are confirmed, we’ll coordinate a smooth transition into one of our nursing homes. Our team ensures that everything is in place – from medication to personal belongings – to make the move as comfortable as possible. - Ongoing Support
Our care doesn’t stop at admission. We continue to work closely with families, GPs, and palliative care specialists to ensure the highest standard of care is maintained.
Expert palliative care support
Our aim is to make what can be an emotionally challenging time as smooth and straightforward as possible for you. Please get in touch with our friendly and helpful Enquiries Team for palliative care advice, and to understand the range options available.
