Understanding the Role of Palliative Care in Serious Illness

  22nd October, 2025

When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, the focus often turns immediately to medical treatments and hospital visits. But just as important as managing the illness itself is supporting the person behind it, their comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. This is where palliative care plays a vital role.

Palliative care is specialised support for anyone living with a life-limiting or complex condition. It’s not just about end-of-life care; it’s about improving quality of life at every stage of illness. At Arbour Companions and Care, we provide palliative care at home to help individuals feel comfortable and cared for in familiar surroundings, surrounded by the people and places they love most.

Beyond Medical Treatment

Palliative care works alongside medical treatment rather than replacing it. While doctors focus on treating or managing the illness, palliative carers focus on easing symptoms and improving daily life. This can include help with pain relief, fatigue, mobility, or personal care, as well as emotional support for both the person and their family.

Illness affects more than just the body; it can cause worry, loneliness, and a sense of loss of control. Having consistent, compassionate care at home helps restore a sense of normality and comfort, even during difficult times.

A Personalised Approach to Support

At Arbour Companions and Care, we understand that every person’s journey is unique. That’s why we tailor our palliative care to meet individual needs and preferences. We take the time to match each family with a carer who not only provides professional support but also companionship. For many of our clients, their carer becomes a trusted part of the family, someone to talk to, share moments with, and rely on for reassurance.

Our team works closely with medical professionals to make sure care is aligned with the person’s healthcare plan. This collaborative approach ensures all needs, physical, emotional, and practical, are met with respect and understanding.

Enhancing Quality of Life

The goal of palliative care is simple: to enhance quality of life. It’s about helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible, regardless of their diagnosis or stage of illness. Early access to palliative care can make a significant difference, reducing hospital visits, easing stress, and giving families more time to focus on what truly matters.

If your loved one is facing a serious illness, you don’t have to face it alone. Our carers are here to support you with compassion, understanding, and expert palliative care at home.

  • "My friend has received continuous live in care for the last three years from Arbour Care. All the carers they have provided have been very good and the last two carers, who have worked back to back, have been excellent in every way. They have always accompanied her to church and church activities which has been a real blessing. They have become very fond of my friend and she of them. The owner was very helpful in coming to see my friend and assessing her needs before we decided that live in care was appropriate and this was much appreciated as it gave my friend confidence that this was the right thing for her at that particular phase of her life. The staff are extremely friendly and have always been very co-operative. If I have had any queries they have always been extremely helpful and assisted me in every way. I have no hesitation in recommending their services."

    Jacky Breadmore

  • "We used Arbour Care to provide care for our parents while we were on holiday. Our parents were originally reluctant to have someone living in their home but eventually agreed that it was the best option. The care they received was so good, the carer cooked delicious meals (I need some recipe ideas!) she was company for Dad and made it possible for us to enjoy our holiday knowing there was someone available if anything was to happen. We would have no hesitation in recommending Arbour Care to anyone looking for care providers."

    Clare H

  • "The carers have been very good, one even using her free time to visit the husband in hospital and really going the extra mile."

    ED Westcott

  • "The care that Jola provides is fabulous in every respect. I cannot praise her highly enough for the patience she shows with. It was a happy day when she came to us "

    RL Englefield Green

  • "As far as I am concerned, Roberta has been an absolute rock for our family. Completely unselfish in her care and invaluable."

    CB Guildford

  • "We are absolutely delighted with Karolina she is gentle and kind I love chatting to her and really enjoy her company."

    JH Cambridge

  • "Arbour provided live-in carers for my wife for six years from 2017-2023 including the pandemic. My main impression is of a very professional organisation in which owners and staff worked all the time to provide the support the client needed at as high a standard as possible. They gave equal attention to statutory requirements, care plans and staff training and never cut any corners."

    Mark

  • "The support that we have had from Arbour Care has been, quite literally, lifesaving. They found an amazing carer to look after my elderly and disabled husband, who is very experienced, kind and thoughtful. She has made an enormous positive difference to the quality of our lives and I will always be grateful to her and cannot thank her enough."

    Jesse

  • "Arbour Companions & Care's support over the last 20 months has been amazing. They found a wonderful carer to look after my husband who has a physical disability, with additional support provided by her supervisor. As his medical conditions have become more complicated, they have supported the carer and me, finding solutions to keep him living at home. Separately, the conversations that I had with members of their office team have been helpful and professional. I would happily recommend their services."

    AB Chobham

  • "On behalf of myself and my sisters, we would like to thank the whole Arbour team that helped care for our Aunty on and off for the last 2 years. Without their help and support, she would not have been able to stay in her home which she loved. The team's communication was superb and all were professional, caring and helpful. We would highly recommend them."

    Fiona M

  • "Hello everyone! My name is Edit, and I'm thrilled to share a little bit about my journey as a live-in carer. For the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of providing care and companionship to an elderly lady. It's a role that truly comes from the heart, and I find immense satisfaction in ensuring her comfort and well-being every single day. Being a live-in carer means I'm there around the clock, offering support and a friendly face. It's more than just a job; it's a deep commitment, and I'm incredibly dedicated to the person I care for. I'm so proud to be part of the caring community, and happy to celebrate Carers Week with you all!"

    Edit

  • "I am very happy with the agency. I am grateful for the level of interest that your carers show, and your personal approach. You know all your clients really well and that shows."

    D. Sullivan

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