Many family members don’t understand the differences between Palliative Care and Hospice, and many times they miss the opportunities that Palliative Care can provide. Family caregivers are sometimes hesitant to use Palliative Care because they believe that it is the same as Hospice. Not the case. In fact, Palliative Care is a wonderful option for loved ones who are dealing with chronic health conditions and in many cases can greatly improve a senior’s quality of life. Allcare Home Health has put together some valuable tips and information about the two, to assist you with your decisions.
While Hospice offers specific care and comfort for patients in the final days to months of life, Palliative Care focuses on physical well-being as well as emotional and spiritual health. Palliative Care professionals assist clients with difficult medical decisions, medication, and therapy decisions as well as connecting the client to a chaplain or pastoral counselor if requested.
Palliative Care was recognized as an approved medical specialty as recently as 2007 and now more than 70% of hospitals offer this service. Many hospitals offer outpatient Palliative Care as well, so that patients may receive treatment and assistance in the comfort of their homes. Seniors and their families find services from medical professionals who prioritize comfort very beneficial.
Patients who utilize Palliative Care options benefit from tailored medications, compassionate guidance in helping them identify and manage symptoms as well as connecting them to support professionals such as social workers and therapists to assist them in navigating the treatment process. They can also assist in arranging in-home assistance with a local Home Healthcare Agency. Most importantly, Palliative Care helps patients and their families make difficult medical decisions with the best information and choices available to them.
In addition to the benefits to seniors and their families, Palliative Care also helps to lessen the strain on the healthcare system and is more cost-effective than many other medical services. Palliative Care results in fewer emergency hospitalizations and fewer unnecessary invasive procedures. By choosing this option, more seniors are becoming empowered to make more educated decisions about their medical care and treatment with the option to receive assistance where they are most comfortable: at home.
Allcare Home Health Agency, Inc is here is help seniors with serious and chronic illnesses live more comfortably at home, by offering both non-medical and skilled nursing. Our highly trained nurses and caregivers can provide a number of in-home services, including:
- Companionship
- Assistance with personal care (shower/bath, toileting, medication reminders, meal prep, light housekeeping, and laundry)
- Transportation to appointments, errands, and social events
To learn more about our care services in the Raleigh/Durham area, give us a call at (919) 301-0236. We look forward to offering your loved one the compassionate, professional care that he or she deserves.