What is palliative care?
Palliative care provides compassion and much needed support for people living with a serious illness that has no cure. The aim is not to treat the condition, but to ensure the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.
For many families, this means helping their loved one stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar possessions, memories, friends and family. Home-based palliative care allows routines and preferences to remain intact, making an incredibly difficult time feel calmer and more personal.
- Assisting with mobility
- Emotional and social peace of mind for you and your family
We’re here for you at what is a challenging period.
What support will my loved one receive?
During such a difficult time, we promise to do everything we can to make sure your loved one and wider family feel as supported as possible.
One of our experienced caregivers will be on hand and remain by their side until the end.
Rest assured that our carers will offer:
- Round the clock support
- Companionship from a trusted, friendly face
- Help with administrative duties
- Domestic work e.g. cooking and cleaning to a high standard
- Personal hygiene and dressing
- Completing daily tasks e.g. shopping
- Assisting with mobility
- Emotional and social peace of mind for you and your family
We are here for you at what is a challenging period.
Why do families choose palliative care at home?
Remaining at home allows someone to:
- Stay in a familiar environment
- Keep their daily rhythms and routines
- Enjoy unhurried time with loved ones
- Stay close to memories and personal possessions
- Avoid the disruption of moving to residential care
Home is often where people feel safest, and where they wish to spend their final months, weeks or days.
Palliative care and end of life care
End of life care is part of palliative care, but it has a different focus. It supports people who are very near to the end of life, helping them remain comfortable, respected and settled in their final days, weeks or months.
This stage often involves:
- Creating a calm, familiar environment
- Supporting personal wishes and routines
- Assisting family members so they can be present rather than overwhelmed by practical duties
- Providing companionship and reassurance when emotions are heightened
Frequently asked questions
No. It can begin earlier, while someone is still living with a life-limiting illness, and continue for as long as support is needed.
End of life care is part of palliative care. It focuses specifically on the final stage of a person’s life, where the priority becomes comfort, dignity and emotional support rather than treatment or recovery. Country Cousins provides both palliative and end of life care, adapting our support as needs naturally change.
Our carers do not replace clinical medical professionals, but they work alongside them, helping with comfort, daily routines, personal care and emotional support.
Absolutely. Home-based palliative care allows relatives to spend meaningful time together without the constant pressure of practical care tasks.
Yes. Many families choose a combination of hospice, district nursing and live-in palliative care to ensure continuous support.
What do we consider when matching clients to potential carers?
- Your care needs – do you need someone with more experience in manual handling for example
- Location – where possible, we will always send you a carer local to you
- Interests – do you both love cooking, gardening, and pets?
- Other requirements – such as do you have a busy social calendar and need someone who can get you to your appointments on time?
We pay attention to the smallest of details because often, these will make the biggest difference.
Talk to our team today
This is a time when emotions are heightened and decisions can feel overwhelming. Our role is to bring calm, reassurance and practical help so that you can focus on being a family.
Country Cousins is the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency and has been providing compassionate care to those who need it in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm / Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
