Ageing is a natural part of life, and with it can come various health challenges. For older adults facing serious illnesses, palliative care can offer a significant improvement in quality of life, not just for them but also for loved ones.
The number of people aged 65 and over is set to rise by more than 40% within the next two decades. With the rise in older adults, it is vital to ensure that the correct care is available to people at the right time.
So, What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a specialised form of medical care focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. It’s often confused as being the same as end-of-life care, but it’s much broader. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering using early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”
While it’s certainly applicable in the final stages of life, palliative care can be beneficial from the moment of diagnosis onwards. Palliative is an approach to care that addresses not only physical pain and symptoms, but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Key Benefits of Palliative Care for Older Adults
- Pain and Symptom Management: Older adults often experience multiple chronic conditions, leading to pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and other distressing symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that palliative care interventions significantly reduced pain intensity and improved symptom control in older adults with cancer. Palliative care teams are experts in managing these symptoms, using a combination of medication, therapies (such as physiotherapy or complementary therapies), and other interventions to maximise comfort.
- Improved Emotional Well-being: Facing a serious illness can be emotionally overwhelming. Palliative care teams include counsellors, social workers, and chaplains who provide emotional support, helping individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and fear. They can also help patients explore their feelings and find meaning and purpose in their lives. The emotional impact can be especially challenging for older adults who may already be dealing with other life transitions, such as retirement or the loss of a spouse. Research has shown that palliative care can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with serious illnesses.
- Enhanced Communication and Decision-Making: Palliative care helps facilitate open and honest communication between patients, families, and medical teams. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care, ensuring their wishes and preferences are respected. This is particularly important for older adults, who may have complex medical histories and multiple healthcare providers. Advance care planning, a key component of palliative care, helps individuals document their preferences for future care, ensuring their voices are heard even if they become unable to communicate.
- Support for Family Members: Caring for a loved one with a serious illness can be emotionally and physically challenging. Palliative care teams offer support and guidance to families, helping them navigate the complexities of caregiving. They can offer respite care, allowing family caregivers to take a break, and can provide counselling and education on how to best support their loved one. This support can reduce caregiver burden and improve the overall well-being of the family. A study from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregivers of patients receiving palliative care reported less distress and improved quality of life compared to caregivers of patients not receiving this type of care.
- Better Quality of Life: By addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, palliative care ultimately helps improve the overall quality of life for older adults. It allows them to live as fully and comfortably as possible, even in the face of serious illness. Studies have shown that patients receiving palliative care report higher levels of satisfaction with their care and improved quality of life. This is achieved by focusing on what matters most to the individual and tailoring care to their specific goals and values.
- Reduced Hospitalisations and Healthcare Costs: Palliative care has been shown to reduce the need for hospitalisations and emergency room visits. By managing symptoms effectively and providing support at home or in a care home setting, palliative care can help prevent unnecessary and costly hospital admissions. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults, who are more likely to experience adverse events in hospital settings.
Palliative Care in West Sussex: Bringing Comfort to Local Communities
West Sussex offers a range of palliative care services, both within hospitals and in the community. For residents in Billingshurst and Henfield, access to these services is crucial. According to the West Sussex Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, the number of people aged 65 and over in the region is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. This highlights the growing need for palliative care services in the area.
- Billingshurst: This charming village and surrounding areas can access palliative care services through local GP practices, community nursing teams, and nearby hospitals such as East Surrey Hospital. Care homes, such as those within the Splendid group, provide in-house palliative care, ensuring residents can receive specialised care in a familiar environment. The presence of local charities and support groups also plays a vital role in providing emotional and practical support to patients and families.
- Henfield: Henfield residents can benefit from a strong network of community-based palliative care, including home visits from specialist nurses, day hospice services, and support from care homes like those managed by the Splendid group. The local Henfield Medical Centre plays a crucial role in coordinating palliative care services for patients in the area. The Splendid group’s care homes in the vicinity offer a comfortable and supportive environment for residents requiring palliative care.
The Splendid Group: Delivering Compassionate Palliative Care
The Splendid group of care homes, with locations accessible to residents across West Sussex, is committed to providing exceptional palliative care. Our approach is built on the following principles:
- Person-Centred Care: We recognise that each individual is unique, and their care plans are tailored to meet their specific needs, preferences, and goals. Their approach considers the whole person, addressing not just the medical, but also the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the person. They work closely with residents and their families to develop individualised care plans that reflect their wishes and values.
- Highly Trained Staff: Our Care Teams are highly trained in palliative care principles. They receive ongoing education and support to ensure they can deliver the highest standards of care. The staff are trained to recognise and manage a wide range of symptoms, including pain, nausea, and shortness of breath. They are also skilled in providing emotional support and facilitating communication with families. We actively invest in specialist training programs to equip their teams with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- A Comfortable and Supportive Environment: Our homes are designed to be welcoming and comfortable, providing a home-like environment where residents can feel safe and secure. The homes offer a range of amenities and activities to enhance residents’ quality of life. They also provide private spaces for residents to spend time with their families.
- Family Involvement: We recognise the importance of family involvement in the care process. They actively encourage families to participate in care planning and decision-making, offering them support and guidance throughout the journey. Families are always made to feel welcome and reassured that their loved ones are getting the best possible care. We also provide opportunities for families to provide feedback and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the homes.
- Focus on Dignity and Respect: Every resident is treated with the utmost dignity and respect. They prioritise maintaining their independence and self-esteem as much as possible. They ensure that residents are treated with compassion and understanding and that their privacy is respected at all times.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Our teams work closely with local GPs, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless transitions between different care settings. This collaborative approach ensures that residents receive the right care at the right time.
- Bereavement Support: We provide support to families not just during the care of their loved one, but also after death. This includes access to bereavement counselling and support groups, as well as practical assistance with funeral arrangements.
Conclusion
Palliative care is a vital service that can dramatically improve the quality of life for older adults facing serious illnesses. In West Sussex, communities like Billingshurst and Henfield have access to a range of resources, including the compassionate care provided by the Splendid group of care homes. By embracing a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, palliative care helps individuals live their lives to the fullest, with dignity and comfort, surrounded by the support of their loved ones.
If you or a loved one are facing a serious illness, exploring palliative care options can make a profound difference in your journey. It is about living well until the very end, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to experience a peaceful and dignified death.
Two of our West Sussex homes – Derwent Lodge and Upper Mead – offer exceptional palliative care services. We focus on creating a positive and supportive experience for both residents and their families.
If you’re considering palliative care in West Sussex, we invite you to visit one of our homes and experience the Splendid difference. Our friendly team is always available to answer your questions and discuss your specific needs. To learn more about palliative care options at Splendid Healthcare, contact us today. We’re here to support you and your loved one.
