Does palliative care mean that nothing more will be done?

No — a great deal is done, just with a different goal: to relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life. Palliative care can also run parallel to other treatments and does not necessarily replace them.

When is the right time to begin?

Earlier than many think: early involvement relieves symptoms better and allows time to plan calmly. You can raise the topic with your doctor at any time — a conversation commits you to nothing.

Can I be cared for at home?

In many cases, yes. Your GP, home care services and specialised mobile palliative care teams work together for this; where necessary, transfers to a palliative care ward or hospice are also possible — and often back home again.

Will my loved ones also be supported?

Yes, explicitly. Loved ones receive guidance, conversations and respite support, as their strength is crucial for the care. Many teams also offer bereavement support after a loss.

What does palliative care cost?

Treatment and nursing care are covered under standard terms by basic health insurance. For accommodation and care, for example in a hospice or care home, out-of-pocket contributions may apply depending on the facility — social services or your insurer can help clarify this for your situation.

Do strong painkillers cause addiction or sedation?

When properly dosed and medically supervised, the goal is alert pain relief, not sedation. Side effects such as initial tiredness can usually be managed well, and addiction in the colloquial sense is not a concern with this type of use.

Palliative Care — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Palliative care supports people with a serious, progressive illness — with the aim of relieving symptoms and making the remaining time as good as possible. It is not simply end-of-life care: it can begin early in the course of the illness and run parallel to other treatments. At the centre are you with your needs — physical, emotional, social and, if desired, spiritual — as well as your loved ones.

Typical Areas of Use

Relief of pain and shortness of breath
Nausea, loss of appetite and exhaustion
Anxiety, restlessness and low mood
Relief and support for loved ones
Advance planning, for example with an advance directive
Organisation of care at home, in a care home or in hospital

How It Works

1It begins with a detailed conversation: the team assesses your symptoms, your life situation and, most importantly, what matters to you — everything else is guided by this.
2Distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath or nausea are specifically relieved; the doctor continually adjusts medications based on effectiveness and tolerability.
3Depending on need, additional specialists become involved — nursing, psychology, social services, pastoral care or physiotherapy — and coordinate with one another.
4The support takes place where you wish to live: at home with support from your GP and specialised home care, in a nursing home, on a palliative care ward or in a hospice.
5In calmer moments you can record your wishes for further treatment, for example in an advance directive — so that decisions are made according to your wishes if needed.

How to Prepare

Consider what is most important to you for the time ahead — such thoughts give the conversations a good direction.
Bring a trusted person to important conversations.
Bring any existing documents, such as medical reports, your medication list or an existing advance directive.

Side Effects & Risks

Palliative medications can have side effects such as tiredness, constipation or nausea; the team continually weighs benefits and burdens with you.
Conversations about illness and end of life can be emotionally challenging — they happen at your pace, and nothing needs to be discussed that you do not wish to discuss.
Properly administered pain treatment does not shorten life — this widespread concern is unfounded; the goal is quality of life.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

The support is continually adapted to your situation — what is right today may be different tomorrow, including the place of care. Fluctuating energy and varying daily capacity are part of the course. Contact the care team if symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath or restlessness increase despite treatment, new symptoms appear, or the situation at home becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones — many teams are available around the clock, and early contact often prevents emergencies.

Cost & Insurance

Medical treatment and nursing care as part of palliative care are covered under standard terms by basic health insurance — in hospital, on a palliative care ward, at home through doctor-prescribed home care services or in a nursing home; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual. However, not everything is covered by insurance: accommodation and care costs, for example in a hospice or care home, may involve out-of-pocket contributions, which are regulated differently depending on the facility and canton. If in doubt, ask your insurer or social services — this information is for guidance only, without guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does palliative care mean that nothing more will be done?: No — a great deal is done, just with a different goal: to relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life. Palliative care can also run parallel to other treatments and does not necessarily replace them.
When is the right time to begin?: Earlier than many think: early involvement relieves symptoms better and allows time to plan calmly. You can raise the topic with your doctor at any time — a conversation commits you to nothing.
Can I be cared for at home?: In many cases, yes. Your GP, home care services and specialised mobile palliative care teams work together for this; where necessary, transfers to a palliative care ward or hospice are also possible — and often back home again.
Will my loved ones also be supported?: Yes, explicitly. Loved ones receive guidance, conversations and respite support, as their strength is crucial for the care. Many teams also offer bereavement support after a loss.
What does palliative care cost?: Treatment and nursing care are covered under standard terms by basic health insurance. For accommodation and care, for example in a hospice or care home, out-of-pocket contributions may apply depending on the facility — social services or your insurer can help clarify this for your situation.
Do strong painkillers cause addiction or sedation?: When properly dosed and medically supervised, the goal is alert pain relief, not sedation. Side effects such as initial tiredness can usually be managed well, and addiction in the colloquial sense is not a concern with this type of use.