Palliative care in the community

Abstract

Studies have shown that 70% of people would like to die at home, however most do not for various reasons. Knowing that so many people would like the option to die at home, it is very important we have the knowledge base and skill set to help facilitate this. This chapter will explore initiating a palliative approach early in a disease trajectory. This allows for a relationship to develop between patient, family and health care provider, advance directives to be discussed, and goals of care (including preferred place of death) to be established. The importance of anticipating needs and developing plans to meet these needs are explored to enable a well supported, compassionate, patient and family centered death at home.