What is Palliative Care?
By Deirdre Hanna and Rev. Dr. Ian Mavor
Palliative care is specialised medical care focused on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses. It is a holistic approach that addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. The aim is to provide comfort and support to patients and their families, enabling them to live as fully as possible.
Unlike curative treatments, which focus on eradicating disease, palliative care prioritises symptom management and alleviating suffering. It is not limited to end-of-life care but can be introduced at any stage of illness alongside treatments such as chemotherapy or dialysis. Key elements include pain relief, emotional support, guidance for decision-making, and enhancing the dignity of life.
Palliative care teams often comprise a multidisciplinary group of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and counsellors, who collaborate with patients and families to tailor care to individual needs. At its core, palliative care embodies compassion and respect for personal choices, ensuring that care aligns with the values and preferences of the individual.
Research shows that palliative care not only improves quality of life but also can extend life by reducing stress and improving the overall effectiveness of medical treatments (Temel et al., 2010). In addition, it provides families with much-needed support, helping them cope with the practical and emotional challenges of caregiving.
As described by the World Health Organization (WHO), palliative care is “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering.”
In our experience with Hopewell Hospice and Paradise Kids Australia, we have witnessed the profound impact of palliative care in creating moments of peace and connection, even in the most challenging circumstances. By recognising the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—palliative care reminds us that healing is about more than curing; it is about caring.
For further reading, see:
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Palliative care. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Palliative care. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
Temel, J. S., et al. (2010). Early palliative care for patients with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(8), 733-742.
Rev. Dr. Ian Mavor and Deirdre Hanna, driven by a shared passion for compassionate care, founded Hopewell Hospice and Paradise Kids Australia to provide holistic support for individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses and grief. Together, they envisioned creating spaces where people of all ages could find comfort, connection, and dignity during life’s most challenging moments.
In 1994, Ian and Deirdre established Hopewell Hospice on the Gold Coast, Australia, as a sanctuary for those at the end of life. Combining Ian’s theological insight and leadership with Deirdre’s expertise in grief support and transpersonal therapy, they created a model of care that embraced the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Their work emphasised the importance of “living well, dying well,” inspiring a compassionate approach to palliative care.
Two years later, recognising the profound impact of loss on children, they co-founded Paradise Kids Australia. This pioneering program provided a safe, creative space where children could process their grief through art, storytelling, mindfulness, and emotional education. Their approach drew upon the principles of grief therapy, including William Worden’s Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner (Worden, 2018). Worden’s Tasks of Mourning—accepting the reality of loss, processing grief, adjusting to a world without the deceased, and finding ways to remember and honour their legacy—became a cornerstone of their work.
Through their dedication, Ian and Deirdre built a legacy of hope and healing, offering tools and support to those navigating the challenges of illness and loss. Their combined vision continues to inspire a community of carers, ensuring that no one faces life’s most difficult transitions alone.
Reference:
Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner (5th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
What is Spiritual Care in Palliative Care?
Spiritual care is a cornerstone of holistic palliative care, addressing the deep questions of meaning, purpose, and connection that arise in the face of life-limiting illness. Beyond religious beliefs or practices, it encompasses the emotional and existential needs of patients and their families. It seeks to nurture the human spirit, providing comfort and hope amidst uncertainty.
In the context of palliative care, spiritual care acknowledges that the end of life is not just a physical journey but a profoundly personal and sacred one. It involves listening with compassion, creating space for reflection, and honouring the beliefs, values, and experiences that give life meaning. Whether through prayer, meditation, storytelling, or simply sitting in silence, spiritual care helps individuals find peace and resilience as they navigate the challenges of their final chapter.
Rev. Dr. Ian Mavor and Deirdre Hanna have long championed the integration of spiritual care in palliative settings, emphasising its transformative impact on patients, families, and caregivers. Originally implemented in Hopewell Hospice and additionally in Exploring Spirituality groups and Spirituality at Sea. They believe that spiritual care is not about providing answers but about walking alongside others in their journey, offering presence and understanding. By addressing the soul’s needs, they remind us that even in the midst of suffering, there is potential for healing, connection, and grace.
Spiritual care invites us to embrace the mystery of life and death, affirming the dignity of every person and the enduring power of love and connection. In doing so, it offers a sacred gift—reminding us all that, even as life draws to a close, the spirit remains infinite.
The Benefits of Grief Support for Children Who Have a Family Member in Palliative Care
Grief support for children with a family member in palliative care provides essential emotional, psychological, and social benefits. Children often struggle to understand and process the complex emotions associated with anticipatory grief, which can lead to anxiety, behavioural issues, or social withdrawal if left unaddressed. Early and effective support can help them navigate these challenges while fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
- Emotional Expression and Validation
Grief support programs create safe spaces for children to express their emotions, such as sadness, anger, or confusion, which might otherwise go unacknowledged. Validating these emotions helps reduce feelings of isolation and teaches children that their reactions are normal and manageable (Worden, 2018). - Understanding Illness and Death
Age-appropriate education about illness, death, and the dying process is a critical component of grief support. Providing clarity helps reduce misconceptions and fears, empowering children to cope more effectively. Studies suggest that open communication about terminal illness can enhance family cohesion and improve children’s emotional stability (Christ, 2000). - Developing Coping Skills
Grief support introduces children to healthy coping strategies, such as journalling, art, or mindfulness practices. These tools not only help them process their grief but also build resilience for future challenges. Programs like those at Paradise Kids Australia have demonstrated the effectiveness of creative therapies in fostering emotional regulation and self-expression. - Strengthening Family Relationships
Support programs often involve family participation, encouraging open communication and shared coping mechanisms. Strengthened family bonds help children feel supported and understood, reducing the risk of long-term emotional difficulties (Silverman & Worden, 1993). - Preventing Complicated Grief
Early intervention through grief support can mitigate the risk of complicated grief or prolonged emotional distress. By addressing grief as it arises, children are less likely to develop maladaptive behaviours or mental health issues in the future (Worden, 2018).
- Emotional Expression and Validation
Grief support for children with a family member in palliative care is not only a compassionate response to their needs but also an investment in their long-term emotional health. Programs that blend education, creative expression, and family engagement, such as those inspired by William Worden’s Tasks of Mourning, provide children with the tools they need to navigate their grief journey in a healthy and constructive way.
References:
- Christ, G. H. (2000). Healing Children’s Grief: Surviving a Parent’s Death from Cancer. Oxford University Press.
- Silverman, P. R., & Worden, J. W. (1993). Children and Grief: When a Parent Dies. Guilford Press.
- Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner (5th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.