Palliative care, often referred to as supportive care, is a type of health care for patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses.

It focuses on providing your loved one with relief from both symptoms, as well as the physical and mental stress of living with a serious illness. It means that you can be involved and be offered emotional, physical and spiritual support.^1,2

What does palliative care involve?

Palliative care teams are made up of multidisciplinary health care professionals, which may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and home health aids. The palliative care team works together with your loved one’s treatment team to provide an extra layer of support. They are always careful to consider the unique needs of both you and your loved one so treatments are tailored to consider your physical, emotional, social and cultural needs.^1,2

In pulmonary fibrosis, palliative care is especially important. For progressive pulmonary fibrosis conditions, management changes over time. As the condition progresses, managing symptoms becomes very important. Palliative care can give you access to what you need to help with this and aims to improve your life in both the short and long term.

Where can people receive palliative care?³

Your loved one can choose to receive palliative care in different locations. For example, this can be provided:

• At home

• In a care home

• In hospital

• In a hospice

Where palliative care takes place is a personal decision which should be discussed with your loved one, any other carers and treatment team.

Support for you

Not every experience of living with pulmonary fibrosis is the same. This means that those involved in providing care for loved ones living with pulmonary fibrosis have unique needs of their own. Family members and friends of those with pulmonary fibrosis should seek tailored support, to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. These services may include:

• Referrals to local support groups and counseling services

• Advice and training on the use of supplies and equipment

• Carer advice, legal documents and support for managing practical challenges (i.e. finances, insurance matters etc)

• Access to respite care, if you need to take a break from your daily tasks

The available palliative care support may differ depending on the area you are in. Your loved one’s treatment team should be your first point of contact to discuss palliative care.

Palliative care should begin upon your loved one receiving a diagnosis and continue alongside other treatments. This way, you, your loved one and family members have a support system in place right from the beginning.