Medical breakthroughs have lengthened lifespans and improved healthspans. But at some point, even the marvels of medicine and the outstanding credentials of medical providers find that the realistic option would be palliative care to ensure quality of life.

What is palliative care? It is specialized medical care that provides relief for individuals whose medical options have been exhausted or have rejected available options. Palliative care manages one’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being and comfort. Many think palliative is only associated with hospice or end-of-life care. Although palliative care may be initiated by a hospice agency, differences between palliative and hospice care exist.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice? Hospice delivers services to those with limited life expectancy, while palliative care can be provided any time after the diagnosis of a chronic illness, regardless of a person's life expectancy. Hospice services can also begin when curative treatments stop, but palliative care can be offered in conjunction with treatments.

Learn more about how Visiting Angels Gilroy provides palliative care in Gilroy, CA, and how it can help your loved one.

Our Palliative Home Care Services in Gilroy, CA

Visiting Angels’ Certified Palliative Care program uses a broader, more holistic approach that sets itself apart from other providers. Caregivers focus on a comprehensive scope of needs including:

• Physical
  Our caregivers work hard to provide relief from pain and other physical symptoms without medication – for example, repositioning a client, or doing what it takes to ensure hydration, etc.
• Emotional
  We will provide comfort and support to help a client manage strong emotions, to feel heard.
• Social
  We provide a positive atmosphere and find and focus on the good in an otherwise trying situation and let our client know that we are there for them and with them. We have found that by taking on the role of an extended family rather than a hired helper, our clients respond more positively to our caregivers.
• Spiritual
  Care is not complete without spiritual care. Depending on a client’s beliefs and preferences, we do what we can to support what they believe would give them a sense of calm and spiritual balance. It could be as simple as reading a scripture passage, or helping set up an appointment for a religious leader. It could be as simple as turning on music to allow them to meditate – we believe in respecting a client’s desire in this area.

When Visiting Angels provides palliative home care in Gilroy, CA, we also look for opportunities to also help the family through the journey. This could include simply reporting how their loved one is doing, or helping family focus on their other obligations by doing an exemplary job and eliminating their need to worry. And when it is time, for end-of-life care, Visiting Angels is also willing, capable and honored to be of assistance.

We provide end-of-life care in Gilroy, CA, and surrounding areas, including Morgan Hill, CA; San Martin, CA; San Juan Bautista, CA and Hollister, CA. 

Request a Free Palliative Care Consultation Today

If you have a loved one who is living with a chronic condition, contact Visiting Angels Gilroy at 408-846-2988 or email dorie@visitingangels.com to learn more about our compassionate approach to in-home palliative care.

Before getting started, Visiting Angels will provide your family with a free home care consultation that helps to learn more about your loved one's needs. With input from you and your loved one, Visiting Angels will develop a personalized plan that enhances your loved one’s comfort and overall well-being.