Palliative care is a compassionate approach that supports people facing the final stages of life. It focuses on easing pain and providing emotional and spiritual comfort.
It also prioritises dignity, comfort, and holistic support, ensuring that patients do not face the end of life alone.
In the Netherlands, some doctors are concerned that palliative sedation—using medication to keep patients asleep—has become too common. They argue that many patients can die naturally without deep sedation, especially when holistic care addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Christian hospices in the Netherlands, such as De Wingerd and De Regenboog, emphasise the value of life until its natural end. While they care for all terminal patients, they may not support practices like voluntarily stopping eating and drinking to hasten death. These hospices aim to provide comfort, dignity, and spiritual support during the dying process.
In Sweden, interest in palliative care is growing. More doctors are specialising in this field, recognizing its importance in improving quality of life for patients and their families. However, access to palliative care varies by region, and there is a need for more widespread availability.
Volunteers play a crucial role in hospices, offering companionship and support to patients. Their presence can alleviate loneliness and provide comfort during the final phase of life.
