Palliative Care Week 2026
This year’s Caru Virtual Network coincided with National Palliative Care Week which explored the theme:
“Palliative Care: It’s Not What You Think”
The year’s theme was chosen to challenge some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding palliative care and to encourage a greater understanding of what palliative care really means, particularly within the nursing home setting. This is strongly reflected in the Caru programme aims and objectives.
One of the most common misconceptions is that palliative care is only for the final days or weeks of life. Palliative care is much broader than this.
It can be introduced at different stages of a person’s illness and alongside other treatments. It focuses on the individual and their wishes and preferences that matter most to them.
During the Virtual Network, we explored the different levels of palliative care and highlighted the important role that every member of the healthcare team plays in delivering compassionate, person-centred care. The session also provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of early conversations, Advance Care Planning (ACP), and ensuring that each person’s wishes and preferences are heard, respected, and supported.
Watch the full Caru Virtual Network session below:
What Does Palliative Care Mean in Practice?
Palliative care is about seeing the person, not just the illness.
It can involve:
- Supporting people to maintain their quality of life
- Managing symptoms
- Providing emotional and psychological support
- Respecting preferences and choices
- Supporting people and families through difficult conversations and decisions
- Providing care that promotes comfort, dignity and respect
Everyone Has a Role to Play
Palliative care is not the responsibility of one individual or one profession. It is a shared approach to care, requiring communication, collaboration, and a commitment to putting the person at the centre of everything we do.
For those working in nursing homes, this can mean recognising when a resident’s needs are changing, having meaningful conversations about what matters to them, involving families and working together to ensure care remains responsive and compassionate.
Evaluation of Virtual Network
After our Virtual Network Event, we asked attendees to answer the following question: ‘In a few words, what is the most important message you’re taking away from today’s network?’
Here are some of the responses below:
“Palliative care is now not a word I am afraid of”
"I understand I can talk to care staff about my wishes”
"I didn't know it wasn't end of Life”
"It's lovely that this is all about us"