Why Is Home-Based Palliative Care Critical in the Indian Context?

27 May, 2025

Home-Based Palliative Care in India: Compassion, Comfort & Dignity at Home

In India, where over 7 million individuals require palliative care annually, yet less than 2% have access to it, home-based palliative care emerges as a compassionate solution. Buurtzorg India is dedicated to bridging this gap, ensuring that patients receive dignified, personalized care within the comfort of their homes.

The Indian Context: Why Home-Based Palliative Care is Essential

Rising Demand: By 2050, 20% of India's population will be over 60, increasing the need for elderly care.
Cancer & Chronic Illness: India reports over 1.4 million new cancer cases annually, with 75% diagnosed at advanced stages.
Financial Strain: Approximately 63% of Indians pay out-of-pocket for healthcare, making prolonged hospital stays financially challenging.
Preference for Home Care: Over 80% of patients prefer to spend their final days at home rather than in hospitals.

How Buurtzorg's Home-Based Palliative Care Supports Patients and Families

1. Pain & Symptom Management
Our trained nurses and doctors provide effective pain relief, medication management, and comfort care at home, ensuring patients remain as comfortable as possible.

2. Emotional & Psychological Support
We offer counseling services to help patients and families cope with stress, grief, and decision-making during challenging times.

3. Dignified End-of-Life Care
Buurtzorg ensures that patients spend their final days in a familiar and loving environment, surrounded by their loved ones, respecting their dignity and choices.

4. Reduced Hospital Readmissions
Continuous monitoring and timely interventions prevent unnecessary hospital visits, allowing patients to remain in the comfort of their homes.

5. Affordable & Accessible Care
Home-based care can save 30-50% of hospital costs while providing high-quality, personalized services.

Expanding Palliative Care in India: Key Recommendations

Awareness & Education: Conduct community programs to inform families about the benefits of home-based palliative care.
Training for Caregivers: Develop structured training programs for family members and professional caregivers in palliative care techniques.
Government Support & Policy Advocacy: Advocate for insurance coverage and subsidies to make home palliative care more accessible.
Integration with Telemedicine: Expand telehealth services to connect patients with palliative care specialists remotely.
Expansion of Hospice-at-Home Services: Collaborate with hospitals and NGOs to create structured home-based palliative programs.
Technology-Enabled Care: Utilize AI and IoT for remote monitoring, medication reminders, and emergency alerts.
Emotional & Spiritual Support: Establish networks of counselors and support groups to help families navigate grief and caregiving challenges.

The Future of Palliative Care in India

Home-based palliative care is not just about medical treatment; it's about honoring a person's dignity, choices, and comfort during their final journey.

At Buurtzorg India, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centric care that empowers families and enhances the quality of life.