What is Palliative Care?

Hospice and palliative care are often confused with one another, but palliative care may be defined as highly individualized care for those who are diagnosed with a serious illness. The primary difference between hospice and palliative care is that hospice care is designed to address the needs of those who are actually dying. The goal behind the provision of palliative care is to provide an ailing patient with relief from the symptoms and pain associated with their illness, as well as to alleviate the stress that comes with having such an illness. In doing so, the quality of life is improved for both a patient and their immediate family.

The staff at a palliative care facility or program will be comprised of doctors, registered nurses, specialized therapists, and volunteers. These individuals work as a cohesive team with an individual’s doctor to provide specialized care that is designed to address the specific needs of the patient. While palliative care is most often provided for seniors, these services can be engaged by an individual of any age and at any stage of an illness.

Palliative Care Can Be Used to Relieve Suffering and Improve the Quality of Life.

The types of diseases that are most often addressed by palliative care include cancer, various cardiac diseases, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, kidney failure, AIDs, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Palliative care may also be engaged by individuals who suffer from forms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. This form of medical care address the symptoms, like shortness of breath, inability to sleep, and loss of appetite, that prevent a person from enjoying a high quality of life. In addition to providing a patient with strength, it can enable them to withstand the rigors of medical treatment.

Patients who engage the services of a palliative care program often feel better and more in control of their illness when they have a better understanding of what their treatment options are. When the stress of having a serious illness is diminished, patients enjoy a better quality of life, as do their family members.

The Relationship of a Patient, Medical Staff, and Family Members

In order for palliative care to be truly successful, it requires a partnership between the patient, their medical providers, and their family members. In addition to the aforementioned medical staff, a palliative care team may also include spiritual advisors, therapists, pharmacists, and nutritionists. The goal of each of these individuals is to work together to provide a high quality level of care for the patient, in accordance with their wishes and their doctors’ instructions.

While the ultimate goal of palliative care is to alleviate the severity of the symptoms of one’s illness, this type of treatment is also designed to empower an individual in controlling their illness by educating them about their various treatment options. They can also provide assistance with navigating the legalities of the healthcare system and emotional and spiritual support for a patient and for their family. Counseling can be provided in times of stress and grief.

How Is Palliative Care Paid For?

In most instances, palliative care is going to be paid for through Medicare, private funding, and long term health insurance policies. In local communities, many individuals contribute monetary donations that can offset the cost of palliative care for individuals who are underinsured or who do not have insurance at all.

Where Can I Find Out About Palliative Care in My Area?

To speak with a family advisor about palliative care options, please call 1-760-218-5309.