Symptom Control Techniques in UK Hospices - for Adults & Children

Symptom control in hospice care isn’t just about medical treatment – it’s about comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families. In the UK, hospices use a variety of techniques to help both adults and children feel more comfortable, physically and emotionally. Here, we’ll explore the different approaches, and symptom management examples for pain, anxiety, fatigue, and more, looking at both adult and paediatric care to see how hospices address the unique needs of each group.

How Hospices Tailor Assessments for Children and Adults

For adults, it’s common to use self-assessment tools, where patients rate their pain or fatigue on a scale. With children, hospice staff might use more observational methods, such as watching for facial expressions, restlessness, or crying. The Paediatric Pain Profile is one such tool, specifically designed to help caregivers detect pain in children who cannot communicate verbally.

Pain Management

Effective pain relief is a cornerstone of hospice care. Alongside medications, many hospices now use alternative therapies like guided relaxation and even virtual reality (VR) to help manage pain. VR can transport patients into peaceful environments, such as forests or beaches, offering a mental escape from physical discomfort. Patients often find this approach provides relief from pain without the side effects of medication.

Shortness of Breath

Patients with respiratory symptoms often feel anxious and uncomfortable. Techniques like breathing exercises, relaxation methods, and using a fan can help. Hospice in the Weald suggests positioning patients to improve airflow and providing cool, fresh air with a small fan, which can make a noticeable difference.

Fatigue and Mobility Challenges

For many hospice patients, fatigue and limited mobility can impact their daily lives. UK hospices often recommend pacing activities, gentle exercises, and practical aids like walking frames. Simple adjustments, like making sure frequently used items are within easy reach, can also improve a patient’s comfort and independence.

Diet and Appetite

Eating well can be tough for patients in hospice care, especially those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Small, frequent meals, tailored to taste and comfort, are often suggested to maintain energy. Nutritional guidance is available, and foods that are easy on the stomach, such as smoothies or soups, can help when appetite is low.

Play-Based Therapy for Pain and Anxiety

From art therapy to music, play-based interventions are highly effective in helping children manage symptoms. Art therapy, for example, allows young patients to express emotions like fear or sadness without needing words, which can help reduce anxiety and improve their mood. In one hospice, a child battling anxiety found comfort through art, expressing emotions on paper and creating a sense of relief.

Involving Family Members

For children, family support is crucial. Parents and siblings are often encouraged to be part of the care process, whether that’s through helping with play-based exercises or creating bedtime routines that foster comfort and security. This can give children a sense of normalcy, reducing their stress and fostering a sense of security.

Relaxation Techniques

Young patients can benefit from simple relaxation exercises like breathing games or guided imagery, where they imagine being somewhere comforting. These techniques help calm their nervous system, providing both physical and emotional relief.

Diet and Appetite Support

Children might have specific cravings or aversions due to their symptoms or treatment. Paediatric hospices often work with families to create meal plans that appeal to the child’s preferences, making sure they get the nutrients they need in a way that feels easy and enjoyable.

Managing Emotional Well-Being in Hospice Care

Emotional support is as important as physical symptom management. Anxiety, depression, and fear are common among hospice patients, young and old. UK hospices provide counselling and therapeutic activities that help ease these emotional burdens:

Anxiety and Depression Support: Many adults and children in hospice care experience anxiety or depression. Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help patients manage these feelings. Care teams also provide resources for family members, guiding them on how to offer emotional support and stay resilient during tough times.

Support for Caregivers: For families, supporting a loved one in hospice care can feel overwhelming. Hospices often provide guidance, advice, and even respite care to allow caregivers to rest. Hospice in the Weald has resources for those struggling to care for a loved one, offering tips and local support options to ease caregiver strain.

Creating a Comfortable Environment: Sometimes, it’s the small adjustments that can make the biggest difference in comfort. Hospices encourage creating a soothing atmosphere, whether by adjusting room temperature, reducing noise, or bringing in favourite objects from home. During hot weather, strategies like keeping the room cool and using a damp cloth can be helpful in keeping patients comfortable.

Quality of Life Measures: Evaluating quality of life is a core part of hospice care. For adults, this might include asking about pain relief and overall comfort, while for children, it may focus on their happiness and emotional well-being.

Family Feedback: In paediatric hospice care, family feedback is invaluable. Hospices might use surveys or casual check-ins with family members to gauge how well the patient feels and what improvements could be made.

Performance Tracking Tools: Some hospices use specialised tracking tools to monitor symptoms and treatment responses over time, allowing staff to adjust care plans as needed to ensure each patient’s needs are met.

Symptom Control In Hospice And Palliative Care

With hospice care services, effective symptom control means more than just treating physical symptoms; it’s about providing a compassionate, all-encompassing approach to comfort and care. For adults, it might be techniques like VR for pain management or simple aids to help with mobility. For children, creative therapies like art or music can make all the difference in managing both physical symptoms and emotional challenges.

Whether through managing shortness of breath, finding relief from fatigue, or creating a sense of calm, the holistic approach in UK hospices shows a deep commitment to helping patients and their families feel supported and understood.

To explore more resources or find guidance on symptom management, visit Hospice in the Weald’s Help Hub and discover how hospice care is making a difference for so many in their final stages of life.