When people of any age are dying or have an illness that can't be cured, they need a special kind of care which is called palliative care. The aim of palliative care is not just to treat the disease, but to care for the person as a whole by making sure the remaining time he or she has left is as good, as active and fulfilling as possible.
Palliative care aims to control any distressing pain or symptoms, and to keep patients comfortable.
It also means looking after their spiritual needs and making sure they have plenty of contact with their family and friends. Patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions about their health care and to be involved in any decisions and discussions about care. Palliative care also offers support for the family during the patient's illness and, later on, helps them to cope with bereavement. When Maureen knew she was terminally ill with cancer, for instance, she wanted to stay home for as long as she could. She was able to do this with the help of a Palliative Care Service which provided her with a team of people, known as a community team, to help control her pain and to help with other problems.