Palliative Care: Providing Comfort and Support for Those Facing Serious Illness
When someone is facing a serious illness, it can be a difficult time not only for the person but also for their loved ones. Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to those with serious illnesses, aiming to improve their quality of life. In this article, we will explore what palliative care is, who needs it, and how it works.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a type of medical care that aims to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and provide emotional and spiritual support to those facing serious illnesses. It is a specialized type of care that is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and can be offered alongside curative treatment. It is not just about end-of-life care, but rather about improving the quality of life for the patient and their loved ones.
Who needs these services?
Palliative care is appropriate for anyone facing a serious illness, regardless of age or stage of illness. It can help those with conditions such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
How do we work?
We have a team of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care to our patients. Our team includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Chaplains
We work closely with our patients and their families to develop a personalized care plan that meets their specific needs. Our goal is to provide holistic care that not only addresses the physical symptoms of illness but also the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones.
Palliative Care for Seniors in Their Homes
Palliative care can be provided in the comfort of a patient’s home. Home-based palliative care allows patients to receive care in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by their loved ones. It is a convenient and cost-effective option for those who prefer to receive care at home.
Our home-based palliative care services include:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Coordination of care with other healthcare providers
FAQ
Does palliative care mean death?
What is included in palliative care?
When should someone be offered palliative care?
How long can a person live on palliative care?
Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care?
Who pays for palliative care?
What drugs are given in palliative care?
Can people in palliative care survive?
How do you identify a patient who needs palliative care?
At what stage is palliative care introduced?
Article verified by Theresa Piekarski, RN MSN BSBA
Director of Clinical Services
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