Talking about dying or end-of-life care is never easy. Many families avoid these conversations out of fear or discomfort but delaying them often leads to confusion and stress during already emotional moments.
Palliative care is one of the most misunderstood aspects of end-of-life support. Contrary to common belief, it is not about “giving up.” It is about helping your loved ones live as well as possible – with comfort, dignity, and meaning.
Below are five common myths about palliative care, and the truths every family should know.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialised support for people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life by addressing physical symptoms as well as emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
It supports both patients and families, helping them navigate a difficult season with clarity and compassion.
🗣 Expert Insight
“Palliative care is not about stopping treatment—it’s about treating the whole person, not just the illness. It shifts the focus from purely clinical outcomes to the profound quality of every remaining day. This requires compassionate and careful tending to the physical, psychoemotional, spiritual and social complexities of being human.
- Dr Rachel Lu, Family Physician, St Luke’s Hospital
Related:
Myth 1: Palliative Care Is Only for the Very End of Life
The Truth: Palliative care can begin early.
It can start from the time of diagnosis of a serious illness—such as cancer, organ failure, or advanced neurological conditions—not just in the final days.
Early palliative care helps patients:
- Manage pain and symptoms more effectively
- Maintain comfort and independence
- Receive emotional and practical support alongside medical treatment
Myth 2: Accepting Palliative Care Means Giving Up Hope
The Truth: Palliative care helps patients find new forms of hope.
Palliative care works alongside medical treatment, not instead of it. Patients may continue treatments aimed at prolonging life while receiving support to ease discomfort.
Over time, hope may shift—from cure to comfort, and from quantity of life to quality of life. Palliative care helps families navigate this transition with dignity and strength.
Related:
Myth 3: Palliative Care Is Just About Pain Relief
The Truth: Palliative care supports the whole person.
Pain management is important, but palliative care also addresses symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, and emotional distress.
Multidisciplinary teams—including doctors, nurses, social workers, and counsellors—provide:
- Medical symptom control
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Guidance with care decisions and planning
- Help with practical and financial concerns
This holistic approach helps patients live with dignity and comfort.
Myth 4: Talking About End-of-Life Care Is Unfilial or Disrespectful
The Truth: These conversations are acts of love.
In many Asian cultures, discussing death is avoided due to cultural beliefs. However, early conversations help families understand their loved ones’ wishes and reduce stress during crises.
One helpful way to begin is through Advance Care Planning (ACP), which allows individuals to express their care preferences if they are unable to communicate them later. In Singapore, ACP is encouraged as part of healthy ageing.
Myth 5: Palliative Care Is Too Expensive
The Truth: Palliative care is more affordable than many expect.
- Government subsidies
- Medisave and MediShield Life
- Grants from charities and non-profit organisations
Related:
Why Understanding Palliative Care Matters
Misconceptions often prevent families from seeking help early. Palliative care is about living well, even in life’s final chapter.
Early conversations help families:
- Make informed decisions
- Honour their loved ones’ wishes
- Reduce uncertainty and panic
Palliative Care at St Luke’s Hospital
St Luke’s Hospital offers palliative care in both hospital and home settings for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
Our multidisciplinary team provides:
- Medical symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Care tailored to each patient’s needs
Early palliative care supports informed decision-making and better quality of life. Speak to a healthcare professional to explore palliative care options. St Luke’s Hospital provides coordinated, compassionate care focused on comfort, dignity, and support for patients and families.
