Palliative care: too little known services that are not reserved only at the end of life

Between 150,000 and 200,000 people need palliative care each year in France. "Active care delivered in a comprehensive approach to the person with a serious illness, evolutionary or terminal "according to the French Society for Support and Palliative Care (SFAP).

In France, there are 157 palliative care units. A support whose objective is to "to relieve pain physical and other symptoms, but also to take into account the pain psychic, social and spiritual ".

Care accessible to all ages

Partially reimbursed by the Health Insurance, palliative care is accessible to all, at any age and can be set up in health facilities, specialized services, but also at home with the help of caregivers .

If sick people benefit from palliative care, their families and loved ones are also involved and can receive support, social assistance or solidarity leave, as well as professionals and volunteers, who can take training and get support. support.

The means put in place to support people in pain are various: psychology, aesthetics, music therapy or art therapy can be part of it.

Improve the quality of life of patients

Contrary to popular belief, palliative care is not just for people at the end of life. These services are also intended for people with serious illnesses, who can no longer cure, such as certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, AIDS or Alzheimer's disease.

The goal? Promote their comfort and quality of life. In these cases, treatments have often become ineffective or disproportionate to the course of the disease. The idea is to help patients to continue their life in the best conditions, despite the seriousness of their pathology.

Conditions that can be improved, thanks to everyone's help. That's why the Palliative Care Fund is calling for donations as part of its new campaign with the catchphrase: "10 euros to give a smile to someone who suffers, #Cestpaslamort ".

Sources: the sites of the French Society for Accompaniment and Palliative Care (SFAP), of Ministry of Health and of SOS End of life.

Read also :

⋙ Palliative care: when and how to use it?

⋙ "The most important thing in life?": Children in palliative care respond

⋙ Palliative care in 5 received ideas