Palliative care
pain relief rights, hospices, opioids by prescription, home care — resources and procedure
Palliative care
What it is:
Care for incurable illness: pain and symptom control, family support — not 'giving up' but quality of life.
Pain relief right:
The patient has the right to adequate analgesia, including opioids — pain should not be 'endured'.
Opioids by prescription:
Morphine and analogs — by e-prescription from an authorized doctor; simplified access for palliative patients.
Hospices:
Inpatient and mobile teams; they also work at home. Via family doctor/oncology clinic.
Free care:
The NHSU palliative package covers nurse/doctor home visits for severely ill patients.
Home care:
Turning technique, anti-bedsore mattresses (rentable), tube feeding.
Psychological support:
For patient and family — foundations and hospices have psychologists; grieving is normal.
Documents:
Incurability certificate for benefits (medication tax, caregiver sick leave), disability — MSEK board.