In palliative care, the aim is to maintain functional capacity and the ability to cope with daily activities despite the illness, allowing the patient to perform personally meaningful activities for as long as possible.
Supporting functional capacity in palliative care
Functional capacity means a person’s ability to manage personally meaningful and necessary daily activities. A progressive incurable illness may impair functional capacity during different stages of illness.
During palliative care, the effects of the illness on the patient’s functional capacity and ability to cope with daily activities, as well as ways to support them, are assessed regularly.
Factors affecting the ability to cope at home include living conditions (stairs, thresholds that impede moving around, location of bathrooms, and so on), family structure (whether the patient lives alone or with someone, taking into account the functional capacity of the potential cohabitant as well), other factors contributing to daily life (running errands outside the home, financial matters, cleaning, cooking, and so on), and whether the patient is able to get help if needed.
If coping with daily activities poses a challenge, the patient can be offered outside help in the form of supportive services. Support available may include home care services; assessment and guidance by a physical therapist or occupational therapist for mobility aids, other assistive equipment, or renovations required in the home; transport services, and cleaning or meal services. Additionally, a social worker may assist in exploring different forms of assistance and benefits.
Functional capacity is also impacted by both the patient’s and their loved ones’ resources related to mental wellbeing and social networks (friends, family, acquaintances). If necessary, the patient and their loved ones can be provided support, such as talk support. Other places to turn to for help include various volunteer organisations, parishes, and peer support groups.
Updated 28.3.2025