Palliative care: ‘Living for today, planning for tomorrow’

The All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is urging Cavan residents to take a moment to consider the benefits of palliative care, and how it can support people, of all ages, living with life-limiting illnesses to live well in the here and now.

Palliative Care Week 2025 takes place across the island of Ireland next month, from September 7-13, and event this year include a photography competition. Each year, AIIHPC works with its member organisations, the wider palliative care sector, charities and community organisations to raise awareness of palliative care. The campaign aims to increase understanding of palliative care and when it may be needed, and the benefits it can bring to the quality of life of those receiving palliative care.

Palliative care isn’t just for end-of-life care – it’s about helping individuals living with a life-limiting illness to live as well, and as fully as possible, today and for as long as possible. It puts the individual at the centre of care, supporting their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. It also supports their families, carers and all those close to them.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow’. It embodies the commitment of AIIHPC and its member organisations to highlight how palliative care enables people to have a good quality of life in the here and now, while also supporting people to make plans regarding their future, including discussing where they would like to be cared for.

Karen Charnley, AIIHPC CEO, is urging people to take time to better understand what palliative care is about and how it improves the quality of life for the recipient and their wider family.

“It improves their ability to participate in daily activities, including hobbies and routine activities. We also want to encourage people to have conversations with their family, friends, health and social care professionals about their future care needs. These conversations are happening, but it’s in all our interests for them to become more normalised in our society.”

Fintan Fagan, CEO of St Francis Hospice, Dublin, added: “Most of us will encounter palliative care at some stage in our lives, and there are still several misconceptions about it. And many people aren’t aware of the breadth of supports available to them that could benefit them or their loved ones when diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Whether you’re a patient, a carer, a family member, or simply part of your local community, understanding the benefits of palliative care can make a meaningful difference.”

Photo competition

For 2025, AIIHPC is also delighted to share a photo competition to help capture what ‘Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow’ looks like in communities across the country. People across Cavan are being invited to submit a photo that captures what this year’s theme means to them. The photos will be hosted on the campaign’s website, thepalliativehub.com, and a certificate and prize will be awarded to the winning photo entry at the beginning of Palliative Care Week 2025. To find out more, visit:

Also, you can share your palliative care experience story on social media during Palliative Care Week 2025 using #pallcareweek.