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Palliative Care: Providing Comfort and Support for Those Facing Serious Illness

Apr 13 2023 seo

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?

No, palliative care is not just about end-of-life care. It is about providing comfort and support to those facing serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis.

What is included in palliative care?

Palliative care includes a range of services, including pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with activities of daily living.

When should someone be offered palliative care?

Palliative care can be offered at any stage of a serious illness, not just in the later stages. It can be offered alongside curative treatment and can help to improve quality of life for the patient and their loved ones.

How long can a person live on palliative care?

Palliative care is not a treatment to cure an illness, but rather a type of care that aims to improve quality of life. The length of time a person can receive palliative care varies depending on their individual circumstances and the stage of their illness.

Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care?

No, palliative care is not just about end-of-life care. It can be offered at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.

Who pays for palliative care?

Palliative care can be paid for by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or private pay. The availability and coverage of palliative care services can vary depending on the country, state, or region.

What drugs are given in palliative care?

The drugs given in palliative care depend on the individual patient’s symptoms and needs. They may include pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and medication to manage other symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Can people in palliative care survive?

Palliative care is not a treatment to cure an illness, but rather a type of care that aims to improve quality of life. Some people receiving palliative care may survive their illness, while others may not. The focus of palliative care is to provide comfort and support to the patient and their loved ones, regardless of the outcome.

How do you identify a patient who needs palliative care?

A patient who may benefit from palliative care is someone facing a serious illness that may limit their life expectancy or quality of life. The patient may be experiencing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety, and may require additional support and care.

At what stage is palliative care introduced?

Palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness, not just in the later stages. It can be offered alongside curative treatment and can help to improve quality of life for the patient and their loved ones. It is important for patients and their families to talk with their healthcare provider about palliative care options that may be available to them.
Article verified by Theresa Piekarski, RN MSN BSBA
Director of Clinical Services
Refer a Patient

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