Sometimes, the disease follows an unpredictable path. In this period, which is intense for both the patient and their close ones, there is unfortunately insufficient support in Slovenia. Therefore, people are often left on their own, with fear and uncertainty.

The word ‘palliare’ comes from Latin and means ‘to cover, to cloak’. Palliative care deals with alleviating the challenges brought about by an incurable illness. It addresses both the patient and the family members who are involved in the patient’s care or are important to the patient. The goal of palliative care is to help provide the best possible quality of life. So that the patient can function as long and as well as possible in their own environment, surrounded by loved ones.

There are many myths circulating about palliative care – let me mention the three most common ones and emphasize that they are not true:

• Palliative care only deals with the dying.
• Nothing more can be done during the palliative period.
• Talking about death takes away hope from the patient.