Palliative care at home

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is given to those who have a life-limiting illness. It usually involves interdisciplinary teams made up of different healthcare professionals to help patients live the rest of their lives to the fullest. This type of care can last for months or years after a diagnosis and is not to be confused with end-of-life care, which prioritises patient comfort during their final stages of life.

We understand that when someone needs palliative care, it can be difficult for their family and friends to manage. Our nurses and healthcare assistants take care of physical and emotional support, freeing up time and providing reassurance that their loved one is being looked after. We’ll address a person’s clinical needs while preserving their privacy, dignity, and independence.

A nurse smiling at an elderly man

Palliative care in the comfort of your own home

Our palliative care nurses are available at short notice or in emergencies, providing you with support at home for as long as you need

— whether it’s four hours, 24/7, or overnight.

We provide the following palliative care services:

Assessing care needs

Evaluate and determine the care requirements of clients.

Supporting families

Provide additional assistance and guidance to families.

Home reviews

Regularly assess the home environment based on care needs.

Comfort management

Manage symptoms and provide guidance on adjusting the home.

Collaboration

Work with other healthcare professionals in multidisciplinary teams.

Complex care support

Offer comprehensive support for complex cases.

Holistic approach

Provide holistic care alongside other healthcare professionals.

Quality care

Ensure clients receive the best possible care.

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Who we support with palliative care

At the Scottish Nursing Guild, we have experience working alongside the public sector and private clients for 30 years.

If you’re looking to arrange palliative care at home in Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, reach out to our care team for a free consultation.

Private individuals

  • People diagnosed with a life-limiting illness
  • Their loved ones who care for them

Public sector

  • NHS trusts
  • Health Service Executive (HSE)
  • Local authorities

Case study – Supporting a patient and their family with palliative care at home

The Scottish Nursing Guild was contacted directly by the family of an individual requiring palliative care. They required nursing support to ensure their relative could still enjoy family time. Our client was keen to still retain as much normality to their life as possible and our nurses respected this, ensuring discreet and professional care always.

We continued to support this client until they passed away a few months later. The family were grateful for our support and that they could spend invaluable time with their loved one, knowing he was in the best hands.

Types of palliative care at home

Every palliative care arrangement at home is unique, but people can choose between two main options to best meet the needs of the person being cared for.

Visiting care is designed for those who may require less invasive care or if they need any help using their medicine. Patients commonly use visiting care for smaller visits for any mild assistance they need. Our visiting nurses can help with conditions such as young-onset dementia.

Live-in care is usually where carers stay with the patient to deliver more tailored care that requires more planning before it can be implemented. Live-in care is required when patients can no longer live independently anymore and need help with every area of their lives.

How do I arrange palliative care?

Arrange palliative care at home in just a few hours with the Scottish Nursing Guild:

  1. Speak to our team via phone or email at anytime
  2. Complete a needs assessment free of charge
  3. Find a qualified carer for tailored live-in or visiting support
Speak with our team

Why choose palliative care at home?

Palliative care at home
Care in residential settings

Familiar environment that can be adapted to patients’ needs

More cost-effective option

Patients retain a degree of independence

Access to 24-hour care with on-call carers and live-in care

Supports and promotes long-standing social connections

Families remain part of the care experience

Advanced care facilities and round-the-clock care

Most expensive care option

Unfamiliar and restrictive environment for patients

Restricted visiting times for families and friends

Long waiting lists for patients

Limited privacy for patients

Palliative care at home
Care in residential settings

Familiar environment that can be adapted to patients’ needs

More cost-effective option

Patients retain a degree of independence

Access to 24-hour care with on-call carers and live-in care

Supports and promotes long-standing social connections

Families remain part of the care experience

Advanced care facilities and round-the-clock care

Most expensive care option

Unfamiliar and restrictive environment for patients

Restricted visiting times for families and friends

Long waiting lists for patients

Limited privacy for patients

We’re inspected and highly rated by regulators

Care inspectorate logo

“Clients were highly satisfied with the staff supporting them and described them as “a good fit” for them. This meant that people received high-quality care and support that was right for them. The organisation’s way of making sure staff and clients were matched is excellent.”

Care Inspectorate

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“Our experience with the agency was very satisfactory. If there were any concerns the agency was very responsive, and matters were resolved satisfactorily.”

Service users

Looking for premium private care at home?

We also offer a premium care-at-home service for people across Scotland. Learn about our bespoke packages and book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your requirements.

Premium care at home in Scotland

Palliative care at home FAQs

How much does palliative care cost?

Palliative care costs are influenced by the specific type and number of nurses and carers, the care duration, and the time of day the care is provided.

Also, the cost of home-based palliative care considers your unique needs and required equipment. Our team conducts thorough assessments to offer an accurate estimate.

Who pays for palliative care at home?

Most palliative care is self-funded by patients, sometimes with the help of local councils who may offer financial support. Note that the cost of palliative care will depend on the type of care you require and the length of time you will need to receive palliative care.

You can choose to use the NHS for your palliative care, but their care is limited. Even though most people opt to pay for their own palliative care, lots of people think that their next of kin must pay.

However, patients could appoint a power of attorney to delegate their finances to, and in this case, they will oversee the finances of the patient.

How long does palliative care at home last?

Palliative care is often split into five stages, starting at diagnosis and going all the way to family support after the person has passed on. A person with a life-limiting illness can have months or even years to live, meaning they could receive palliative care at home for a considerable amount of time.

During our assessment, we will determine your support needs and what palliative care may be best suited to you and your diagnosis.

Who can receive palliative care?

Palliative care is suited for people with a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. It provides practical and emotional support in everyday life, allowing family and friends to feel at peace knowing their loved one is well cared for.

Common life-limiting illnesses in palliative care are:

  • Cancer
  • Kidney failure
  • Dementia
  • HIV
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
What is the difference between palliative care at home and hospice care?

The main difference is the location where you will receive your care. Receiving palliative care at home will be in an environment that’s most comfortable for patients staying somewhere familiar. Whereas hospices are specially designed facilities that provide this care for patients who have life-limiting illnesses.

Hospice care is hard to find for most patients as they typically have long waiting times, and they might not have all the relevant treatments for specific conditions as they are mostly funded by charity donations in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

If you’re considering palliative care at home, it’s important you weigh up your options before deciding which route to take.

What are the benefits of palliative care?

Palliative care offers a range of benefits to people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and their families:

  • Improves quality of life
  • Considers families whilst patients receive care
  • Treatment options are thoroughly discussed, keeping you in control
  • Delivers focused mental health support through qualified professionals
  • Reduces distressing hospital visits

Embark on your palliative care at home journey today

Contact us by phone 24/7:

Scotland
0333 323 1917

Northern Ireland
0345 340 3902

Republic of Ireland
01 697 1193

Alternatively, fill out the form below and our team will reach out shortly:

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