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PALLIATIVE (PAL-ee-yuh-tiv):
A Definition
Palliative care is the active, total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to
curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms and of
psychosocial, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal
of palliative care is achievement of best possible quality of life
for patients and their families.
Palliative care:
- affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
- neither hastens nor postpones death
- provides relief from pain and other symptoms
- integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
- offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
- offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in their bereavement.
[Source: World Health Organisation (WHO) Definition of palliative care, 1990]
"Up to now, palliative care has mainly concerned
itself with patients suffering from cancer,
and here it has been successful in reducing
suffering towards the end of life. It is now
time for palliative care to be part of the overall
health policy for older people and to be an
integral part of the services they receive."
The above is an extract from WHO document: Better Palliative Care for Older People (570Kb PDF file opens in new window)
"You matter because you are,
you matter to the last moment in your life,
and we will do all we can
not only to help you die peacefully
but to live until you die."
Dame Cicely Saunders
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