Palliative Rehabilitation

Palliative rehabilitation focuses on enhancing the quality of life for people living with life-limiting illness by addressing physical, emotional and social needs. This approach empowers people to achieve their personal goals and maintain independence for as long as possible. Therapists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and speech and language therapists work alongside other members of the health and social care team, offering practical advice and support. Examples of palliative rehabilitation include:

• Supporting people to be physically active to maintain their muscle strength, balance and flexibility.

• Suggesting strategies to make everyday tasks such as washing, dressing or moving around the house easier, and providing equipment to help with this.

• Supporting people to communicate with their loved ones when they have difficulties speaking.

• Providing guidance to manage eating related problems such as difficulty swallowing, appetite loss or taste changes.

• Helping people to continue to work, pursue their hobbies and maintain social connections which they value.

• Assisting people to express themselves creatively through art, drama, writing or song.

• Suggesting strategies to self-manage symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or anxiety in addition to appropriate medical and nursing care.

Palliative rehabilitation is applicable at the point of diagnosis of an incurable illness until the last day of life.

Benefits of palliative rehabilitation:

• Enhanced quality of life: By focusing on individual goals and needs, palliative rehabilitation helps patients maintain dignity and autonomy.
• Improved symptom control: Addressing symptoms proactively can lead to better management and comfort.
• Emotional wellbeing: Providing psychological support helps people and those important to them cope with the challenges of living with a life-limiting illness.