Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their whānau who are facing problems associated with a terminal illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and management of pain and other symptoms, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.
Addressing suffering involves taking care of issues beyond physical symptoms. Palliative care uses a team approach to support patients and their whānau. This includes addressing practical issues, cultural and psycho-social needs and providing bereavement counselling. It offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
It is about living every moment – right to the end, well.
