The Stages of Palliative Care

When planning for the end of life, some patients may choose to pursue palliative care. Despite popular opinion, palliative care is not necessarily the stage before hospice. What stage of life is palliative care? In this post, we’ll review what you need to know about palliative care and its stages.

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What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms, enhancing comfort, and improving quality of life for people living with serious or chronic illnesses. It also extends care and guidance to caregivers and loved ones impacted by the illness. Alongside existing treatments, palliative care is tailored to individual goals and values. Unlike hospice care, which is typically associated with end-of-life, palliative care can be provided at any age and any stage of a serious illness. A possible palliative care plan can be done at home or in a clinic, hospital, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility.

What Are the Stages of Palliative Care?

Below is a rundown of the palliative care stages:

• Stage 1: Stable. Palliative care often begins at the time of diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. During this stage, a treating health professional and a team of specialists develop a personalized care plan tailored to the individual’s condition. This plan typically includes current and future treatments, symptom relief, medications, and personal care preferences such as staying at home or receiving certain therapies. The focus is on helping the individual remain as independent as possible, which may involve modifying the home or arranging for additional caregivers and equipment as needed.
• Stage 2: Unstable. If the illness progresses or new medical concerns arise, the care plan is reviewed and adjusted quickly to maintain comfort. This stage emphasizes emotional and mental support for both the individual and their loved ones, helping them prepare for what may come. Support may include counseling, therapy, spiritual guidance, and activities aimed at managing anxiety or depression.
• Stage 3: Deteriorating. During the stages of deterioration, health declines further, and serious medical conditions continue to develop. The care team shifts toward stages of end-of-life care. Regular assessments ensure treatments are appropriate and that comfort remains the top priority. Hospice care or increased support at home may be introduced to ensure the individual remains as comfortable and supported as possible during this phase.
• Stage 4: Terminal. In the terminal phase, the individual is nearing the end of life and may only have days left. Care focuses on managing physical symptoms — such as severe mobility issues, loss of appetite, or difficulty swallowing — and providing extensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support. Comfort and quality of life remain the primary goals, whether care is provided at home or in a facility.
• Stage 5: Bereavement. Following the terminal stage, the focus shifts to supporting family members, caregivers, and loved ones through grief. Bereavement support may include emotional counseling, spiritual care, and psychosocial services to help them cope with the loss. The length and type of support vary based on individual needs and can last weeks, months, or longer.

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