The Principles of Palliative Care You Should Know

Are you or a loved one facing hospice or palliative care? At LifeChoice in Wheeling, Illinois, we strive to explain and demonstrate all the most important principles of this type of end-of-life care for every person who uses our services. The decision to allow hospice help becomes much easier when you understand what it means. Learn what team members are involved, their unique roles, and the guiding values and beliefs of a quality palliative care service.

Proper Care Above All Else

No matter the diagnosis, treatment plan, or lack thereof, everyone involved with the palliative care or hospice case must put proper and respectful care of the patient above all else. A large part of palliative care focus is on pain management. This must be done correctly to maximize patient comfort. This also extends to the other caregivers, family, and loved ones who are an integral part of the process. Concern, empathy, and sensitivity are necessary.

Accepts Mortality Naturally

Palliative care workers accept that mortality is a natural process and do nothing to postpone or hasten the end of life beyond medical treatment’s bounds. Since hospice care becomes a possibility after a mortal diagnosis, recovery is not expected. Hospice approaches this understanding of the most compassion possible.

Support for Mental and Emotional Aspects

Palliative care goes far beyond the physical for both the patient and loved ones engaged in the process. Supporting the mental and emotional issues that frequently arise with end-of-life care is an essential part that should not be ignored. This can include anything from simply lending a friendly ear to listen to problems and worries about arranging other support systems and professionals who can provide more in-depth assistance.

Religious, Spiritual, and Cultural Respect

Respect for differences and support for individual beliefs and practices is always a part of palliative and hospice care at LifeChoice in Wheeling, IL. The care team’s responsibility and honor are to help the patient and family engage with their unique face or culture-based support systems and guidance.

Informed Consent at All Times

As with all caregiving and medical plans, informed consent is of the utmost importance during hospice and palliative care. This involves the patient as much as possible or their medical power of attorney or legal caregiver who makes decisions for them if they cannot. Palliative care teams are responsible for describing options and possibilities in the most understandable way possible, so everyone knows what is going on and what is expected every step of the way