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Palliative Care

When someone is nearing the end of their life, what matters most is that they feel comfortable, cared for and surrounded by people who treat them with genuine dignity. That is what we are here to provide.

Palliative Care

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is support for people living with a serious, life-limiting illness. It focuses on comfort rather than cure - managing pain and other symptoms, providing emotional and practical support, and helping the person live as well as possible for the time they have.

It is not only for the final days of life. Palliative care can begin at any point after a life-limiting diagnosis, sometimes alongside other treatments, and may continue over weeks, months or longer. The pace and nature of that care will change as the person's needs change.

At its heart, good palliative care is about listening. Understanding what matters to the person, what they are afraid of, what brings them comfort and what they want their days to look like. It involves the whole person - not just their physical symptoms - and it extends to the people who love them.

Both The Gables in Oldbury and Swan House in Willenhall provide palliative care as part of our nursing and residential services. Our teams work closely with GPs, district nurses, specialist palliative care teams and other healthcare professionals to make sure each person receives coordinated, appropriate support.

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Palliative Care

Who is palliative care for?

Palliative care may be the right option if your loved one:

  • Has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition such as advanced cancer, heart failure, COPD, motor neurone disease, advanced dementia or another serious progressive illness
  • Needs specialist support with pain management or symptom control that cannot be provided safely at home
  • Has been discharged from hospital and requires nursing care in a comfortable, supported environment for their remaining time
  • Would benefit from 24-hour care and the reassurance of a consistent team around them
  • Wants to spend their final weeks or months somewhere warm and homelike rather than in a hospital setting

Palliative care also means support for families - being kept informed, involved and looked after through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Palliative Care

Our approach to palliative and end of life care

We understand that no two people approach the end of life in the same way, and that families come to this point carrying different emotions, different fears and different needs.

Our approach is to follow the person. That means taking time to understand their wishes - how they like to spend their days, who they want around them, what makes them feel at ease - and building their care around that. It means being honest with families about what to expect, without being detached or clinical. And it means being available, not just professionally but as real people who genuinely care about the individuals in our homes.

Pain and symptom management is handled in close partnership with the person's GP and, where involved, specialist palliative care teams. We work to make sure medication is reviewed regularly and that any changes in comfort or condition are responded to quickly. Families are kept informed throughout and are always welcome to visit, stay for extended periods or simply be present.

We also recognise that families need support too. Watching a loved one approach the end of their life is hard, and we will not leave you to navigate that alone. You can ask us anything, at any time. We will always be honest with you, and we will always be kind.

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Residents across both homes

HEAR FROM REAL PEOPLE

What people say about us...

From the moment you walk through the door at Swan House, you feel a blanket of warmth wrap around you. From the manager to all the staff, they were so kind and professional. Swan House is a happy place, well led, and the staff all work as a team.

Carole S

Daughter of Resident

I like it here at the Gables. The staff are very helpful and kind. My room is lovely and homely since they redecorated, and my family visit rather often.

Ralph H

Resident

Such an amazing and friendly place. Nothing is too much trouble and everyone is so welcoming to both mom and the family. Excellent care and always a lovely atmosphere! Definitely recommended. Thank you

E B

Daughter of Resident

My Mum has been @ Swan House for 3 weeks now and is thoroughly enjoying the excellent care from all the team there. She feels far more safe in this environment and I can see she is far happier. Many thanks to all.

Stephen B

Son of Resident

My husband passed away on 3rd November. His care was excellent. The nurses and staff were kind, loving and considerate in every way. I shall always remember the Gables and would highly recommend them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love and best wishes.

Anne L

Wife of Resident

Visited a resident on his birthday, and carers were excellent in making sure he enjoyed his birthday. Music, singing of happy birthdays other residents shared his birthday cakes and photos taken.

June D

Cousin of Resident

The important questions

What is the difference between palliative care and end of life care?

Palliative care is a broader term covering support for anyone with a serious life-limiting illness, and can begin well before the final stages. End of life care is a form of palliative care focused on the last months, weeks or days of life. In practice the two overlap significantly, and both prioritise comfort, dignity and quality of life over curative treatment.

Can a person receive palliative care in a care home rather than a hospice?

Yes. Many people receive palliative and end of life care in a care home setting, often because it offers 24-hour nursing support in a more homelike environment than a hospital, and feels less clinical than a hospice for some families. The right setting depends on the individual's needs, their wishes and what level of clinical support is required. Both The Gables and Swan House work closely with specialist palliative care teams and GPs to make sure residents receive the right level of support.

How is pain and symptom management handled?

Pain and symptom management is overseen in close partnership with the person's GP and any specialist palliative care professionals involved in their care. Medications are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needs change. We monitor closely for any signs of discomfort and act quickly when things change. Families are always kept informed and involved in conversations about their loved one's care.

How involved can we as a family be?

As involved as you want to be. Families are welcome to visit at any time, to stay for extended periods and to be part of conversations about care throughout. We will keep you informed, answer your questions honestly and make sure you feel supported. If you have specific wishes about how your loved one's final weeks or days should look, we want to hear them.
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