What Are Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists. The team works together with the patient and their family to create a care plan that meets their individual needs.
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness, from the time of diagnosis to the end of life. It can be used alongside other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Some of the things that palliative care can help with include:
- Pain management
- Symptom relief (such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath)
- Spiritual and emotional support
- Practical assistance (such as help with bathing, dressing, or transportation)
- Family support
- Bereavement counseling
Palliative care is an important part of care for people living with a serious illness. It can help to improve quality of life and make the end of life more comfortable.
Here are some examples of palliative care:
- A doctor prescribes medication to help relieve a patient’s pain.
- A nurse teaches a patient how to use a breathing machine to help with shortness of breath.
- A social worker helps a patient and their family find financial assistance to pay for care.
- A chaplain provides spiritual support to a patient who is struggling with their faith.
- A therapist helps a patient cope with the emotional stress of their illness.
Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, hospices, and patients’ homes. The best setting for a patient will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
If you are living with a serious illness, or if you know someone who is, it is important to talk to your doctor about palliative care. Palliative care can help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible.