Palliative care and how evidence supports speech pathologists who care for people at end of life

Palliative care provides a support system for people living with a life-limiting condition to live as actively as possible for as long as possible. The World Health Organization defines palliative care as an approach to care that supports the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of a person with a life-limiting illness and supports the family and carers. Palliative care is not always a specialised role for speech pathologists. Emerging evidence highlights the important role that speech pathologists have in palliative care across many settings. Dysphagia and communication changes are common in life-limiting illnesses. By helping clients identify goals and priorities, speech pathologists can nurture in their clients a sense of ability, dignity and control, and enhance quality of life.