Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and challenging forms of cancer, with an estimated 49,229 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. With this type of cancer, there are no effective screening tests available, unlike for other forms of the disease, so timely spotting of symptoms and starting treatment is essential.
However, undergoing cancer treatment is no easy feat. It puts the mind and body under strain, meaning that individuals living with this disease may benefit from the support of palliative care for lung cancer.
Furthermore, should a loved one decide against further medical intervention, end-of-life care lung cancer care could help to make their last weeks, months, or years as comfortable as possible.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is not only for people facing life-limiting health conditions. It offers a broader scope than simply end-of-life care. Palliative care can be used for individuals with complicated chronic conditions as a form of complex live-in care.
Depending on an individual’s specific health needs, at-home palliative care is typically provided alongside other healthcare professionals such as nurses, GPs, and physiotherapists.
In addition to care for lung cancer patients, palliative care can support people living with:
- Heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Other types of cancer
Palliative care for lung cancer
Palliative care for lung cancer ensures that whatever the prognosis, an individual can continue to live in the familiar surroundings of home whilst benefiting from expert support. During treatment or as the condition progresses, an individual’s ability to carry out their daily routine and care for themselves can become compromised. A carer specialising in palliative care for lung cancer patients can assist with all manner of everyday activities.
What does palliative care involve?
Palliative care forms part of a holistic lung cancer care strategy, in line with instructions from other healthcare professionals. This type of care aims to look after every part of the individual, managing their condition’s physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
A palliative carer can help support:
Preparing nutritious meals and snacks in order to maintain weight throughout treatment and disease progression.
Preventing the spread of bacteria and infection, which may endanger immune-compromised individuals.
Assisting with daily chores to limit feelings of tiredness and fatigue, allowing individuals to rest.
Facilitating hobbies, interests, and an active social life, as well as always being available to chat with in times of need.
Picking up prescriptions, ensuring the correct dosage is taken on time, and generally making individuals as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Liaising with other healthcare professionals to administer holistic lung cancer care.
How a palliative carer could help?
Palliative care at home can make caring for lung cancer patients in their own homes a real possibility, offering an alternative to a hospice care home facility.
Palliative care for lung cancer can help with:
- Mobility assistance
- Getting in and out of bed
- Transportation to and from healthcare appointments
- Medication management
- Personal care, e.g. bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Help managing symptoms
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship and someone to talk to
Get in touch today
As part of our wider home care for cancer patients, care for lung cancer patients at home can provide much-needed support for individuals and their families following a terminal lung cancer diagnosis or during extensive treatment. A palliative carer can help individuals living with lung cancer manage symptoms, medications, and more. Trinity Homecare can match your loved one with a compassionate palliative carer to ensure comfort and preserve dignity during this difficult time.
If you would like to learn more about arranging palliative live-in care, get in touch with our friendly and professional care team.
Arranging palliative live-in care with Trinity is easy.
Just follow these five simple steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well-suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
Frequently Asked Questions
Lung cancer care at home is support for someone living with lung cancer at any stage. It addresses the practical effects of the illness and its treatment, including fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, reduced appetite and weakness, alongside personal care, medication, transport to appointments and companionship.
Yes. Carers accompany people to appointments, help manage nausea and fatigue in the days afterwards, prepare food that is manageable when appetite is reduced, and support medication routines including anti-sickness medicines. Infection is a priority concern during treatment, and any sign of it is escalated to the clinical team without delay.
By pacing the day so energy is directed where it matters, taking on the most tiring tasks, using the positioning and breathing techniques recommended by the clinical team, and remaining composed during episodes of breathlessness. Where home oxygen has been prescribed, the support a carer provides is agreed with the respiratory team and set out in the care plan.
Yes. We provide palliative and end of life support at home, working alongside district nurses, the GP, community palliative care teams and hospice services. Full-time care at home means someone is present around the clock, with clinical oversight and dedicated care management, which is often what makes remaining at home achievable.
We work alongside them rather than separately. Carers follow the care plans set by district nurses and specialist nurses, maintain detailed records, and escalate changes promptly through our care management team. We have long-standing working relationships with NHS services and are experienced in supporting an existing package of clinical care.
Yes, and it is often what makes remaining at home possible. Depending on need, that might be several visits a day or full-time care at home providing continuous support. Care can also be increased quickly as the illness progresses, so a change in condition need not force a sudden move.
