Palliative care is designed to help people with serious or terminal illnesses by focusing on comfort and improving quality of life. It supports physical, emotional, and practical needs, making things a little easier for you and your loved ones.
If you’re in an NHS hospital or hospice, palliative care is free. At home, district nurses can provide support, which your GP or hospital team might arrange when you’re discharged. However, if you need extra help, like a 24/7 carer or nurse, you may need to pay for this privately.
Nursing homes usually include palliative care as part of their service. If you’re paying for care yourself, talk to the home directly about their fees.
For help with costs—whether at home or in a nursing home—you can apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. This can cover the cost of nurses or care professionals. There’s even a fast-track option for end-of-life care. Your GP can start the process, or if you’re leaving the hospital, ask a social worker if an application has been made.
If you’re waiting for approval, you might need to pay privately for care, but don’t worry—payments can be backdated to cover the cost from the date your CHC application was approved.