What is palliative care?

Palliative care is offered when a patient’s disease is no longer responsive to curative treatment. It aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Palliative care does not prolong life. It makes it less painful and traumatic for the patient and their carers.

Health care institutions are traditionally geared towards patients with acute, rather than chronic, conditions. Yet palliative care is vital for people living with life-limiting illnesses. Most of the people who need palliative care are over 60.

Help the Aged supports two organisations that help people to have a meaningful life right up until they die.

Project Kiran

Nine million people die every year in India. Of these, at least 60 per cent need palliative care. Yet less than 1 per cent have access to it.

Project Kiran assists people with life-limiting illnesses such as advanced cancer and terminal heart, lung and kidney disease. It also supports their families and carers.

The African Palliative Care Association (APCA)

In African countries, palliative care is normally offered at the point of diagnosis because there is no cure available. There is little access to medication, anti-retroviral drugs or chemotherapy.

APCA promotes and supports affordable and culturally-appropriate palliative care. It works with organisations on the ground, providing roadside clinics and mobile units as well as training care workers so they can reach older people in their own homes.