Hospice palliative care focuses on end-of-life. It offers relief from symptoms, pain and suffering in a dignified manner. It helps to improve the quality of life for those who are living with and soon to die from a chronic illness. Most often these illnesses are at an advanced stage. With care, family and friends can spend as much time as needed with the patient.
What should you know about palliative care?
- Palliative care is not just for the physical needs of the patients. It also includes emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and his or her family. Needs can also range from social to cultural to psychological.
- Hospice palliative care is not there to prolong life or hasten it. It is to improve life for the patient and family.
- During the earlier stages of an illness, palliative care may be used in order to provide treatments for an illness which may result in a cure or a reduction of symptoms. Palliative care is used to help those with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and multiple sclerosis, AIDS and advanced kidney, heart and respiratory diseases
- Palliative care also involves support for caregivers. Many of those who are looking after a family member worry that they can’t provide enough support or the proper support. Palliative care offers advice from healthcare providers and assistance when needed. They give instructions on how to give a patient their medication and also offer home support services. These could include transportation and help with household tasks. Patients may also spend short periods of time in hospice care to provide caregiver relief.
Seniors should make their wishes known regarding palliative care. Put it in writing in the event you are unable to speak for yourself at a later date. For more information on hospice palliative care, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.
