Palliative care and end-of-life care are related; however, they are not the same. Both focus on comfort, symptom relief and quality of life. Palliative care can start early in an illness. In contrast, end-of-life care supports a person in the final months, weeks or days. This guide explains the difference and shows how LDK supports residents and families.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialised care for people living with a life-limiting condition. It aims to manage pain and symptoms, reduce stress, and support emotional, cultural and spiritual needs. Importantly, palliative care can sit alongside active treatment and can begin at any stage of illness. For example, many people receive palliative care while continuing active treatment.

What is end-of-life care?

End-of-life care is palliative care provided when a person is likely to be in the last months, weeks or days of life. At this stage, the focus shifts to comfort, dignity and support for the person and those close to them. Typically, care plans include symptom management, personal and spiritual support, and clear preferences for where the person wishes to be cared for.

The key differences at a glance

• Timing: Palliative care can start early and continue for months or years. By contrast, end-of-life care occurs near the final stage of life.
• Goal: Both aim to improve comfort and quality of life. However, end-of-life care also prepares the person and family for death and focuses on wishes and comfort.
• Treatment: Palliative care can run alongside disease treatments. As a result, end-of-life care usually concentrates on comfort rather than curative treatment.

How services are organised and funded

Palliative and end-of-life support can occur at home, in hospital, in a hospice, or in a residential aged care setting. Access and funding vary by location and clinical need; therefore, your GP, specialist team or local health service can arrange referrals. In addition, many people use government funded aged care supports for day-to-day help at home.

• End-of-life care | MyAgedCare.gov.au
• Palliative care | Health.gov.au
• Understanding palliative care | Palliative Care Australia

How LDK supports residents and families

• Your own home: Residents live in private apartments. Our team delivers care into the home, which supports dignity and privacy.
• Coordination: We work with the person, family, GP and clinical teams to coordinate services and preferences.
• Flexible support: We can increase day to day help as needs change, so you remain in the community you know.
• Our One Move Promise®: Our model is designed so residents do not need to move again if their needs change.

Talk with us

If you are considering LDK for yourself or someone you love, we can explain options and how palliative and end-of-life supports can be arranged in our villages. Read more on our Aged Care page or contact us to discuss.

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In short, palliative care can begin early and continue as long as needed, while end-of-life care supports you and your family near the final stage of life.