At Visiting Angels^®, we are committed to the happiness and well-being of every family in our care and have developed a suite of customized programs to assist seniors in any circumstance.

This suite of programs is called Life Care Navigation,™ which covers a wide range of needs from assistance with Activities of Daily Living to specialized care for dementia to end of life care. Part of these offerings includes our Certified Palliative Care Program.

The Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Although “palliative care” and “hospice” are terms often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction. Hospice care is reserved to help those who are nearing the end of life by providing support that enables them to be as comfortable as possible. Palliative care is typically defined as care for those with a serious or chronic illness that helps to optimize the quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and managing any pain or suffering.

Both hospice and palliative care exist to bring relief and can be managed at the senior’s own home. They both also focus on the family by helping to manage their expectations and concerns during a difficult and emotional time.

While hospice care is typically limited to end of life, palliative care can be ongoing and last for many years. A number of studies conducted in 2018 suggest that palliative care is most effective when started early. A review of people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recommended early adoption of palliative care, which improves both quality of life and overall survival.

By offering restorative services including spiritual and socialization care, numerous benefits help seniors and families cope with a variety of situations.

Understanding our Palliative Care Program

At Visiting Angels, we customize each type of care to the unique needs of our clients and their families. Through our personal home care services, our caregivers provide assistance with everything from bathing and dressing to household chores to meal preparation, and so much more.

Through the Palliative Care program, we offer additional care for:

• Spiritual Needs
  We work to restore hope by helping our clients find relief despite the difficulties associated with the aging process or a chronic illness.
  
  
• Social Needs
  Seniors can often feel isolated, so we work with families to provide those in our care with companionship and conversation to help them feel more connected.
  
  
• Emotional Needs
  The symptoms of depression, loneliness, and anxiety can often go undetected. Our compassionate approach to these potential issues helps to support seniors through difficult times.
  
  
• Physical Needs
  Our caregivers can address the unique needs of the elderly, offering the specialized assistance they require to feel as strong and confident as possible.

If you think your senior loved one needs additional support, let us know. Whether it’s palliative care or any other service we offer, we can discuss your options during an in-depth consultation that will result in a customized care plan.

We are here for you.