Palliative Care for All
Our Palliative Care for All programme provides information and resources for those working with people with life-limiting conditions.
Palliative care was once only associated with people with cancer. However, the need to extend palliative care services to those with life-limiting diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), heart failure, and dementia is now widely acknowledged. According to research carried out in Ireland annual deaths requiring palliative care will rise by 84% by 2046, and people aged 50+ living with serious illness will increase by 89%. Reinforcing the need for Palliative care for all. Cited from Peter May et al 2019 study on palliative care planning in Ireland.
Irelands National Adult Palliative Care Policy 2024, was launched in September 2024. The policy aims to strengthen and develop palliative care services in Ireland to ensure all patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families, can access the appropriate care where and when they need it. Our Palliative Care for All programme provides information and resources for people:
- who are working with people with life-limiting illnesses
- who are providing care for people who are living with life limiting illnesses
- who are interested in learning more about how palliative care can support people living with life limiting illnesses
The term ‘life-limiting illness” refers to any disease, condition or illness that is progressive and cannot be cured. Palliative care is supportive care offered throughout the progression of a person’s life-limiting illness or at different stages of a person’s illness.
Palliative Care for All emerged from joint study completed with Irish Hospice Foundation in conjunction with the HSE in 2008. With an initial emphasis on dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure, the study examined palliative care needs of people with life-limiting illnesses other than cancer to identify how palliative care could be applied to these patient groups in Ireland.
Outcomes and Progress
The Palliative Care for All report highlighted that palliative care principles need to be embedded within ALL disease frameworks. The following initiatives have resulted from this:
- Action research/development projects supporting the introduction of a palliative approach in the management of heartfailure, advanced respiratory disease, advancing neurological illness and for those with dementia were implemented.
- Exploratory work with patient advocacy and voluntary groups such as the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on ways to introduce palliative care principles for constituents.
- publication of a paper by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and IHF on end-of-life care for CF patients.
- Irish Hospice Foundation’s Nurses for Night Care service is for people dying with illnesses other than cancer. Nurses for Night Care enables people with diseases like dementia, motor neurone disease, advanced respiratory disease, heart failure and end stage kidney disease to receive expert nursing care and support at night in their own homes in their final days.
- Initiation of discussion on the palliative care needs of vulnerable sections of society, such as those with learning difficulties, mental health issues and the homeless.
- Living with Chronic Illness report, May 2017.
Other Developments
- Irish Hospice Foundations Dying Well at Home Programme
- The Ember project was established in partnership with Irish Hospice Foundation, LGBT+ Ireland and the AIIHPC. The aim is to empower LGBTQIA+ people who may face specific challenges in the legal and healthcare systems using a Thinking Ahead and Planning for Care Guide. Read more>>
Condition Specific Resources to Support Planning for the Future
The development of Planning for the Future information booklet that have been developed in collaboration between IHF and organisations supporting people who are living with life limiting illnesses. Please find below the newly developed resources IHF made in collaboration with other organisations because of this initiative and they have recently been updated.
Heart Failure
This Booklet was originally published in 2015 by the Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Hospice Foundation. In 2025, Irish Hospice Foundation in parentship with the Irish Heart Foundation revised and updated this booklet for people who have are living with heart failure, and who want to make plans for their future. It may also be useful for family members, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
Click on the image or button to access a digital copy of this booklet. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the booklet, please contact [email protected]
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD Support Ireland and IHF collaborated on a booklet titled, ‘Planning for the future with COPD’. In 2025, IHF and COPD Ireland revised and updated this booklet for people who have an advancing COPD, and who want to make plans for their future. It may also be useful for family members, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
Click on the image or button to access a digital copy of this booklet. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the booklet, please contact [email protected]
Dementia
This booklet was originally published by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland with support from IHF in 2013. In 2024, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and IHF revised this booklet. It aims to support people living with dementia and provides information to help plan for the future. It may also be useful for family members, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
Click on the image or button to access a digital copy of this booklet. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the booklet, please contact [email protected]
Advancing Neurological Illness
In March 2025, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and IHF revised the booklet for people who have an advancing neurological illness, and who want to make plans for their future. It may also be useful for family members, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
Click on the image or button to access a digital copy of this booklet. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the booklet, please contact [email protected]
We acknowledge funding received from Pobal under the Scheme to Support National Organisations 2016 – 2019, 2019 – 2022, and 2022 – 2025. The Scheme to Support National Organisations is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
