Understanding Palliative Care
Palliative care is designed to address the care needs of seriously or chronically ill individuals within their homes. It focuses on symptom management to decelerate the speed of infection or worsening of the patient’s condition, may it be physical, social, spiritual, or psychological. Palliative care follows an approach wherein the enhancement of the quality of life of the ailing individual is targeted to ensure a much more comfortable day-to-day living with as much independence as possible. Palliative care can be provided to patients along with the curative treatments intended for their condition at the time of their diagnosis and at their preferred setting of care, including their homes, hospitals, outpatient palliative care clinics, and nursing homes. However, palliative care could transition to hospice care when the palliative care team and the patient’s primary physician see no positive reaction to the treatment provided. At this time, the patient and their families will wait for the prognosis of the doctor, whether the patient’s condition is no longer treatable or the patient is likely to die within six months or less.
The Palliative Care Team
- Palliative Care Specialists
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Nutritionists
- Social Workers
- Therapists
- Chaplains
The Conditions That Qualify for Palliative Care
- AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Cancer
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- End-Stage Liver Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Lung Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- And More
Palliative Care May Address These Symptoms
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Difficulty Breathing
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Pain
- Trouble Sleeping
- Vomiting
Palliative Care Services May Include
- Therapeutic Services (e.g., PT, OT, Integrative Therapies, etc.)
- Counseling
- Medicine
- Support Groups
- Patient and Family Education
- Referrals to Mental Health Providers
- Housing Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- Emotional and Spiritual Support
- Nutritional Guidance
- Relaxation Techniques
- And More
Are You Ready to Get the Care You Need?
Feel free to set an appointment with us or call us at 888-367-7058 for inquiries. We’ll be glad to address your concerns promptly.