It’s tough to see a loved one, like a grandparent or close family member, struggle with a chronic or terminal illness. I understand how overwhelming it can feel because I’ve been there myself. During these moments, we naturally look for ways to ease their pain and make them more comfortable.
This is where palliative care comes in as a valuable option. While it doesn’t cure the illness, palliative care helps manage pain, control symptoms, and provide the emotional and spiritual support they need. In this article, I’ll share how palliative care helps seniors, what it involves, and how it differs from other forms of care, such as hospice and end-of-life treatment.
What Do You Think Palliative Care Is?
- Palliative care is only for the end of life.
- Palliative care is the same as hospice care.
- Palliative care is only for cancer patients.
- Palliative care speeds up death.
- You must stop seeing your primary doctor when you start palliative care.
What it Actually Is?
- Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, not just near the end. It’s aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life, even while curative treatments are ongoing.
- Hospice care is a form of palliative care but is specifically for patients who are nearing the end of life (usually with a prognosis of six months or less). Palliative care, however, can be given at any stage of illness and does not require stopping curative treatments.
- Palliative care is not limited to cancer patients. It can help anyone with a serious illness, including those with heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
- Palliative care does not hasten death. Its goal is to improve comfort and quality of life by managing pain and other symptoms.
- Palliative care teams work alongside your primary doctor to provide comprehensive care. You don’t need to change your current healthcare providers.
Which Patients Receive Palliative Care?
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Kidney failure
- Stroke
- End-stage liver diseases
- Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s, ALS)
- Blood and bone marrow disorders
Common chronic symptoms your loved one may face;
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- General or localized pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Constipation
- Anxiety and Depression
- Loss of Appetite
- Urinary hesitancy
- Anorexia
- Insomnia
Difference Between End-of-Life Treatment & Hospice:
Palliative care is not the same as end-of-life care or hospice. While palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness,
Hospice care is specifically for patients in the final months of life, typically when curative treatments are no longer pursued and the doctor has decreed that the patient has 6 months life prognosis.
On the other hand;
End-of-life care focuses solely on comfort during the last weeks or days of life. Palliative care, however, can be combined with treatments aimed at curing or managing the illness.
Benefits of Palliative Care Approach:
1. Effective Symptom and Pain Management:
Palliative care professionals play a critical role in helping manage symptoms, including pain relief, for individuals dealing with advanced diseases like cancer. Studies have shown that this care can significantly reduce discomfort, helping patients lead a more comfortable life.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life:
Individuals often report a higher quality of life after receiving palliative care compared to traditional treatment approaches. They experience better overall well-being due to improved symptom control and emotional support.
Research has shown people who receive palliative care experience less pain, better breathing patterns, feel emotionally better, and communicate better.
3. Lower Risk of Depression:
Starting palliative care early can reduce the risk of depression in individuals with serious illnesses like advanced cancer. Studies suggest that early interventions lead to better mental health outcomes by providing emotional and psychological support alongside physical care.
4. Potential for Longer Survival:
There is evidence suggesting that palliative care may extend survival in certain patients, particularly those with advanced cancer. By managing symptoms like depression and improving overall mental and physical well-being, palliative care may help individuals live longer.
5. Guidance in Decision-Making:
Palliative care teams offer invaluable support in helping patients and families navigate difficult decisions regarding treatment options and care plans. This helps alleviate stress and ensures that choices are aligned with the patient’s wishes and needs.
6. Support for Families and Caregivers:
Palliative care doesn’t just benefit patients—it also provides education, emotional support, and practical guidance for family members caring for a loved one with a serious illness, improving the overall caregiving experience.
7. Improved Caregiver Satisfaction:
Both patients and their caregivers report greater satisfaction with the care provided through palliative services. This approach addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of both the patient and their family, leading to a more holistic care experience.
Cost of Palliative Care:
The cost of palliative care can vary depending on whether it is provided in a hospital or at home.
Home-based services are,
Cost-effective as it generally reduces expenses like hospital room charges, making it a more affordable option for many families.
For patients seeking hospital-based palliative care,
Specialized centers like Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital offer comprehensive services, but costs will depend on the complexity of care required and the hospital’s fee structure.
Join Us for Better Care of Your Loved Ones:
If you are looking for in-home palliative care, we can help provide compassionate, personalized care that focuses on managing symptoms and improving your loved one’s quality of life. Reach out today to explore how our services can support your family during this challenging time.
Final Thoughts:
Caring for a senior with a serious illness can be tough, but palliative care is an option that makes the journey a little easier. It’s not just about managing physical symptoms like pain, but also about supporting emotional and spiritual well-being. The great thing is that palliative care isn’t only for the end of life—it can be introduced early to improve comfort and quality of life while treatments continue.
If you’re in this situation, consider talking to a healthcare provider about palliative care. It can make a difference, not just for your loved one, but for you and your family as well.
FAQ’s
1. When should palliative care begin?
2. What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
3. What is the difference between palliative care and end-of-life care?
Palliative care is provided at any stage of a serious illness and can be given alongside curative treatments. Its focus is on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. End-of-life care, a part of palliative care, is specifically for patients in their final days or weeks, focusing solely on comfort as they approach death.
4. What are the principles of palliative care?
The main principles of palliative care include:
- Symptom management: Relieving pain, nausea, breathlessness, and other distressing symptoms.
- Patient and family-centered care: Addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families.
- Communication: Ensuring clear, compassionate communication about treatment goals and patient preferences.
- Holistic care: Considering the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of a patient’s experience.
5. Can palliative care cure cancer?
No, palliative care does not cure cancer. It is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Curative treatments may still be pursued alongside palliative care, but the care itself is not aimed at curing the disease.
6. Which country has the best palliative care?
The United Kingdom consistently ranks as the country with the best palliative care, according to global assessments by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The UK’s well-developed hospice care system, trained professionals, and focus on holistic care are some of the reasons it leads in this field.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
