Navigating through life’s most serious health battles can be a profound journey that extends beyond physical healing. It’s not just about medical outcomes but moments of connection and support that bring solace to both the mind and spirit. 

In these challenging times, palliative care offers the guidance and comfort needed to help patients through their toughest days.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a form of medical care or approach that supports individuals through the challenging journey of living with a severe illness. It goes beyond just medical treatment, weaving together emotional support, psychosocial care, spiritual well-being, and physical comfort to help patients find the strength to carry on and make each day a little easier to navigate.

The Options for Palliative Care in Singapore

When it comes to palliative care, patients and families have three types to consider based on individual needs and comfort levels. But what are the different types of palliative care available, and how do they fit into providing the optimal support? 

1. Home Palliative Care

Not all medical care needs to take place in a hospital; some patients may prefer receiving care in a home setting, such as through home palliative care. 

So, what exactly is the meaning of home palliative care, and how does it make a difference for patients during challenging times?

To put it simply, palliative care at home involves having a multidisciplinary team of licensed and trained healthcare professionals visiting the patient’s home on a set schedule or staying overnight when needed. These professionals assist with personal care, symptom management, and necessary medical, psyhcosocial and spiritual support, ensuring patients remain comfortable in their own space and receive care that addresses their overall well-being.

Additionally, home palliative care in Singapore reassures families of having professional guidance, helping them manage care more optimally and ensuring their loved one receives proper support, even outside of a hospital setting.

Advantages of Home Palliative Care

• Comfort of familiar surroundings: Patients can remain in their own homes, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Remain closer to loved ones: Patients can spend more quality time with family members and friends, fostering emotional support.
• Personalised care: Care is tailored to the patient’s needs, allowing more flexibility in managing symptoms.
• Reduced hospital visits: Regular home visits from healthcare professionals minimise the need for frequent hospital trips.

2. Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care

Sometimes, home palliative care may not be enough to manage severe symptoms or complications, making inpatient hospice palliative care service a more suitable option.

And, what exactly is an inpatient palliative care service?

Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Service (IHPCS) is a form of medical care provided in hospitals or hospice facilities for patients who require constant supervision. This type of care is ideal for those whose conditions have worsened or require specific medical equipment and round-the-clock monitoring to manage symptoms. It focuses on comprehensive care, ensuring both physical relief and emotional support during critical moments.

Services Provided by IHPCS

General Palliative Care

• Focuses on pain relief and other physical symptoms with oral or subcutaneous medication to help improve comfort.
• Provides psychological counselling and support to help patients and loved ones accept and cope with the illness. 
• Assists patients who require respiratory therapies, such as oxygen or nebulisers, to ease breathing difficulties.

Specialised Palliative Care

• Includes managing drains, such as urinary catheters, chest drains, and feeding tubes, which require regular medical attention, administering intravenous medications, and handling other specialised equipment.
• Provides dedicated support for patients experiencing moderate to severe confusion or delirium resulting from their illness, ensuring they receive careful monitoring and compassionate care.
• Offers symptom management for severe nausea, intense pain, or breathing difficulties that require more intensive medical interventions.

3. Palliative Day Care Services

Palliative day care provides a supportive and interactive space where patients can receive care during the day while their family or loved ones are not home or available. It offers a blend of medical supervision and therapeutic activities, allowing patients to remain socially active and mentally stimulated. 

Moreover, it offers a temporary break for caregivers or loved ones, ensuring they can also take time to rest and recharge.

Services Offered at Palliative Day Care

Palliative day care centres provide supportive and therapeutic activities to promote patient well-being, such as:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Recreational activities
• Pain and symptom management
• Psychosocial and spiritual support
• Palliative rehabilitation
• Daytime respite care for caregivers

Moving Forward with Palliative Care Services

Navigating a life-threatening illness is never easy, but having the proper support can help make a difference. Whether it’s the comfort of home palliative care, the round-the-clock support of inpatient services, or the engaging environment of day care centres, each option helps relieve patients and their families. 

To support these needs, the Singapore Hospice Council connects patients and families with a network of healthcare providers that provide comprehensive and compassionate palliative care and hospice services across Singapore. Our goal is to ensure every patient receives the most appropriate care possible. Reach out to us today.