Disability

Hospices and palliative care

Hospices are centres which provide care for anyone who has a terminal illness which is no longer responding to treatment. Most hospices are run by charities and all care is free of charge. Referrals are usually made via your GP or hospital, but you can refer yourself.

The care focuses on providing the best quality of life possible, together with dignity, peace and freedom from pain at the end of life. It can include nursing care, complementary therapies, counselling and support for relatives.

This type of ‘hospice’ or ‘palliative’ care can be provided in your own home or through a day care centre as well as in hospices themselves. Organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Relief and Marie Curie Cancer Care can also provide support for people with a particular condition.