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.

Key Principles of Palliative Care

Sometimes people misunderstand the overarching principles of palliative care. For example, there is a conception that palliative care is only about pain management and only prevention of old age diseases. But it isn’t true at all. This is comprehensive help for a person with terminal disease: they are adjusted or corrected pain regime, help to get rid of symptoms of the disease (shortness of breath, nausea, swelling and other), psychological and legal support. And they are trying to provide a better quality of life in every possible way. So concerts, sweets, and comfort in hospice – are the same as part of palliative care, like hygiene or anesthesia. Emotional support in palliative care is a very important thing, and we acknowledge it. Every person has the right to spend the last days of his life in a way that is not painful, not lonely, not ashamed – and therefore not scary. 

In addition, palliative care also involves supporting relatives of patients with medical, psychological, and legal problems. These people can be very difficult, especially if they are not used to asking for help and doing everything themselves.

Five Principles of Palliative Care

When we talk about any medical care, or even when we talk about just caring for a dear person, it is important to follow some rules or, better say, principles. So, the principles of palliative care have been introduced and practiced for a very long time, constantly improving in order to give such necessary care to people in need. Among these principles, we can distinguish 5 main, or even better to say, the leading principles of palliative care.

Proper Care Above All Else

No matter the diagnosis, treatment plan, or lack thereof, everyone involved with palliative care or hospice care must prioritize providing respectful care to the patient above all else. A significant focus of palliative care is managing physical symptoms to maximize patient comfort. This care extends to the other health care providers, family members, and loved ones who are integral parts of the process. Concern, empathy, and sensitivity are essential.

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 the bounds of medical treatment. Since hospice care becomes a possibility after a mortal diagnosis, end-of-life care focuses on compassion and understanding rather than recovery.

Support for Mental and Emotional Aspects

Palliative care goes far beyond addressing physical symptoms for both the patient and the family members engaged in the process. Supporting the mental and emotional challenges that often arise with end-of-life care is essential and should not be ignored. This support can range from simply lending a friendly ear to arranging for other healthcare providers or professionals who can offer 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. It is the care team’s responsibility and honor to help the patient and family members engage with their unique faith or culture-based support systems and guidance.

Informed Consent at All Times

As with all caregiving and medical plans, informed consent is of 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, ensuring that everyone involved is aware of what is going on and what is expected at every step.

Role of the Palliative Care Team

There are many forms of palliative care for patients. They differ from country to country, as the development of care is

in each country’s own scenario. However, all the diversity can be divided into two main groups – home and hospital. The hospital’s palliative care facilities are hospice, palliative care units (wards) located in the structure of hospitals at all levels, cancer clinics and Social Protection Institutions. Home care is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists on the road, which can be both an independent structure and a unit hospital.

The benefits of palliative care are that this approach combines not only clinical and theoretical disciplines; essentially, the health sector is an interdisciplinary field requiring coordinated action from a highly qualified multidisciplinary team.

Composition of the multidisciplinary team:

• Doctors
• Medical nurses
• Psychologists
• Social workers

The multidisciplinary team’s competence includes:

• Differential diagnosis
• Drug therapy
• Choice of care
• Nursing care
• Training of patients and relatives in self-care and care
• Providing psychological support to the patient and his or her relatives
• Social assistance 

Also, in palliative care, representatives are involved clergy members and volunteers.

A quality palliative care team approach should be aimed at reducing all components of the patient’s suffering. The need for comprehensive care and different types of care requires the involvement of professionals from various fields, both medical and non-medical. Therefore, the team or staff of a hospice usually consists of doctors, nurses with appropriate qualifications, psychologists, social workers and clerics. Other professionals are involved in providing assistance as needed. Family and volunteer help is also used. It should be noted that patients are themselves full participants in the palliative care process, and their participation should not be diminished in any way.

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Considerations

As you know, hospices and palliative wards are intended for terminally ill people who have exhausted the possibilities of radical treatment and medical rehabilitation. These include patients with various forms of malignant neoplasms (they are indeed the majority), but also people with dementia, lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, and many other serious diseases. 

Advanced care planning is chosen by the patients or their relatives as the best solution when the required care is not possible at home for some reason. This is the case when a patient needs medical equipment or special care that relatives cannot provide. Or a man is alone – and there’s no one to take care of him. In the hospice, the person will be given the necessary painkillers and help to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. In any case, the patient is treated with a doctor’s recommendation, and this choice is discussed together. 

It is important to understand that choosing a hospice does not mean abandoning the person you love. At LifeChoice Hospice, you are allowed to visit your loved ones around the clock, stay with them overnight, and bring your children or even pets. You can be around as much as you want. The medical staff will help your loved one so that at the end of life, you have the strength and mood for the most important things: conversations, walks, hugs, and living each moment together.

Caring with Purpose: The Heart of Palliative Philosophy

Understanding the principles of palliative care is crucial for ensuring that individuals facing life-limiting illnesses receive the most compassionate and effective support possible. By embracing the philosophy of palliative care, which emphasizes proper care, acceptance of mortality, emotional and spiritual support, and informed consent, patients and their families can experience a higher quality of life during difficult times. The benefits of early implementation of palliative care are profound, as it provides comprehensive support that addresses not only physical symptoms but also the psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their loved ones.

Considering palliative care as part of a comprehensive care plan ensures that all aspects of a patient’s well-being are addressed with sensitivity and respect. The dedicated palliative care team plays an essential role in delivering this holistic approach, working together to reduce suffering and provide meaningful support. Whether at home or in a specialized facility, palliative care allows for a dignified and compassionate end-of-life experience. It is important to recognize that this care is not just about managing symptoms but about enhancing the quality of life in every possible way, making it an invaluable option for anyone facing the challenges of terminal illness.