Law on palliative care: what developments for patients and their relatives?

An expanded right to support and palliative care

Palliative care is for anyone, regardless of age, suffering from a serious illness and facing physical, psychological or social suffering, especially at the end of life. They include:

• prevention;
• assessment and overall management of physical problems (including pain);
• the consideration of mental suffering;
• meeting social and spiritual needs.

Palliative care must be provided on an ongoing basis, regardless of the patient's place of residence or care.

The accompaniment also includes relatives and caregivers. The law provides for the care of the sick person's entourage in order to ensure psychological and social support, especially after the death of the sick person

New hospices and hospices for palliative care

These small units of life, intermediaries between home and hospital, can accommodate and accompany people at the end of life whose medical condition is stabilized. They are intended to take over the role of home accommodation when it is no longer possible, and offer support to loved ones.

All residential facilities for dependent elderly people (nursing homes) must also include a component relating to palliative and accompanying care.

Voluntary associations have more flexible options for intervention in the homes of patients at the end of life.

A right of information for patients

Upon the announcement of a serious illness or worsening of a chronic pathology or the beginning of loss of autonomy, the patient may be offered a personalized support plan after discussions with the doctor or healthcare professional. He can be informed and accompanied to:

• their palliative care rights;
• the possible methods of care (at home, in an institution, etc.);
• the drafting of advance directives and the designation of the trusted person.