When we are faced with a serious illness we hope that an operation or other treatment will cure it completely. Sometimes in chronic conditions cure is not possible.

Palliative care aims to maintain and as far as possible, improve quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care is about:

• Controlling pain and other distressing symptoms.
• Helping patients and families cope with the emotional upset and practical problems of the situation.
• Helping people to deal with spiritual questions, which may arise from their illness.
• Supporting families and friends in their bereavement.

For most patients with progressive disease, uncontrolled symptoms can severely affect quality of life and their ability to cope with their illness. A diagnosis of cancer or serious disease is a life-changing event and it has an impact not only on the individual, but also on family, friends, work, finances etc. Relief of physical symptoms is often less of a problem than emotional distress, worry about loss of earnings, how to tell the children and questioning the impact our lives have on the people we love and more.

The overall goal of palliative care is to help manage the difficulties through appropriate support and interventions; to maintain activity, independence and something of a normal life…at home if possible if that is what is wanted.