Palliative Care Services for Seniors in Highlands Ranch, CO
Palliative care is specialized healthcare to support individuals with chronic conditions by addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The goal of palliative care is to enhance a person's quality of life and provide peace of mind to their loved ones.
Although palliative care is often associated with terminal illnesses, it is not exclusively for those nearing the end of life. Palliative care can vary from a few days to several years. It is designed to make the person as comfortable as possible, regardless of the time remaining.
What Is the Difference Between Hospice & Palliative Care?
Many people associate palliative care solely with hospice or end-of-life care, but there are key differences between the two.
Hospice care is specifically for those with a limited life expectancy, whereas palliative care can be provided at any stage after diagnosis of a chronic illness, regardless of life expectancy. Palliative care offers long-term support, while hospice care is typically for short-term, compassionate care at the end of life.
Hospice services often begin when curative treatments have ceased, but palliative care can be offered alongside ongoing treatments.
What Is Covered Under Palliative Care?
At Visiting Angels, our Certified Palliative Care program takes a holistic approach that distinguishes it from other home healthcare providers. Our caregivers provide a comprehensive range of home care services.
Physical
A key focus at Visiting Angels Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is to address physical concerns and pain relief to provide comfort.
Emotional
We work with our clients and their families to address and manage the complex emotions that are a part of chronic illness or diminishing independence and mobility, such as anxiety, depression, and anger, to foster positivity and a sense of wellness and purpose.
Social
Our Certified Palliative Care Providers develop close relationships with your loved one, creating friendships that relieve isolation and loneliness.
Spiritual
With consistent companionship and care, your loved one will develop feelings of connection and independence that give them a sense of purpose, bringing peace of mind to you and your loved one.
Our palliative care providers in the Denver area can work closely with your loved one’s healthcare team to provide essential non-medical services. And care isn’t limited to in-home; our providers and services can also be done in-patient at an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
When Is Palliative Care Needed?
Palliative care provides specialized support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Often needed after multiple hospitalizations or emergency room visits and a decline in independence, palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life. While commonly associated with senior care, it benefits people of all ages with complex medical needs.
Who Is on the Palliative Care Team?
The Visiting Angels Palliative Care Team in the Highlands Ranch area includes certified palliative care providers. Our program educates and trains caregivers to deliver compassionate care with support for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of chronically ill individuals, aiming to enhance their quality of life.
Our professional caregivers work alongside medical care teams, including doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, massage therapists, pharmacists, chaplains, and home healthcare providers to offer day-to-day comfort and support for your loved one. Our home care agency assembles the necessary team members to ensure palliative care is as comfortable as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Home-Based Palliative Care Services?
Home-based palliative care services gives families an option of keeping their loved one at home rather than in a nursing home. Although this decision is deeply personal, home-based care offers several clear benefits.
Comfort and familiarity
Staying at home gives one a sense of familiarity and comfort that a skilled nursing facility just can’t match.
Personalized care
Home health aides or nurses can customize services to the specific needs of your loved one, providing personalized, focused care. While the staff in nursing homes are dedicated, skilled, and caring, they must assist many other residents, but with home-based care, the healthcare professional's attention is solely on your loved one.
Improved quality of life for patients and families
Home-based care can be a better option not only for patients, but also for you, the primary caregivers and family members. Rather than scheduling inpatient visiting times, you can see your loved ones more easily in their own home. You can also feel reassured that your loved ones are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings.
Should I Include Palliative Care in My Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves preparing for future medical care by documenting treatment preferences and end-of-life wishes. This helps ensure your choices are respected and guides loved ones and healthcare providers in making decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself.
Including palliative care in advance care planning is a good idea. It improves quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and can be combined with curative treatments or used when a cure isn’t possible.
How Do I Find Palliative Care Services Near Me?
If you have a loved one with a chronic condition, contact Visiting Angels or give us a call at 720-981-0804 to learn more about our compassionate approach to in-home palliative care. We offer services in the following areas: Castle Rock, Centennial, Englewood, Evergreen, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Parker, CO
Before getting started, Visiting Angels will provide your family a free home care consultation to learn more about your loved one's needs. With input from you and your loved one, we will develop a personalized plan that enhances your loved one’s comfort and overall well-being.
Serving Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Castle Rock, Parker, Greenwood Village, Evergreen, and Throughout the South Denver Metro Area
Visiting Angels LITTLETON, CO
26 W Dry Creek Cir #210Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: 720-981-0804
Fax: 720-981-8443