Sometimes an illness takes its own unpredictable course. In this period, which is intense for both the patient and their loved ones, there is – unfortunately – too little support in Slovenia. As a result, people are often left alone with their fear and uncertainty.

The word ‘palliare’ comes from Latin and means ‘to cover, to cloak’. Palliative care is concerned with relieving the difficulties that an incurable illness brings. It cares for both the patient and the family members who are involved in their care or who are important to them. The aim of palliative care is to help ensure the best possible quality of life – so that the patient can live as long and as well as possible in their home environment, surrounded by the people they love.

There are many myths about palliative care – let me name the three most common ones and stress that they are simply not true:

• Palliative care is only about dying
• Nothing more can be done in the palliative phase
• Talking about death takes hope away from the patient