What Is Palliative Care and How Can It Help My Loved One?
Palliative care aims to alleviate discomfort for seniors in Longmont, CO who suffer from serious conditions
Palliative care is a specialized type of care that is geared toward reducing and relieving the symptoms of a serious illness by focusing on the whole person, not just their health condition.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the same as hospice care, as it can be provided to anyone, no matter their age, medical condition or life expectancy.
Recognized in 2006 as a medical specialty, palliative care involves a number of experts that treat the patient and also help their family. One team can include a palliative doctor, who does not replace medical specialists, primary doctors, specialists, nurses, social workers, spiritual leaders, family members, and friends.
Patient Wishes Always Come First
With this type of care, the wishes of the patient are always respected. The medical team treats the illness and the palliative team elevates quality of life, relieves pain and discomfort, and provides comfort and support.
The palliative team does the following:
- Providing guidance while navigating the complex field of medical decisions
- Prescribing medications for pain management
- Coordinating care with all medical professionals involved in treatment
- Providing help with preparing living wills and other legal documents
- Providing emotional and spiritual support
Comfort Care That Increases Survival Odds
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine reports that palliative care may speed recovery throughout treatment by relieving symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, stress, and anxiety. It also states that people who receive this type of care along with treatments for their illness live longer. The World Health Organization states that this type of care is most effective at the very beginning of the illness and that it can minimize the risk of hospitalization.
Supplementing Palliative Care with Expert In-Home Care from Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels of Boulder County can supplement your loved one’s care with a professional caregiver who can provide non-medical care and support that boosts life quality for both the patient and their family.
Our caregivers offer loving support, comfort and guidance, helping your loved one deal with the challenges that come with their illness and making everyday life much easier for your family too.
Here are some of the questions palliative experts can ask your loved one in order to develop a personalized plan of care for them:
- What makes you happy?
- What are your hopes for yourself and your loved ones?
- How can we help you live a better life?
- What is most important to you?
- What needs and services you wish to discuss?
- What activities or events are you looking forward to?
- Do you have any fears or worries about your illness?
- Do you have any concerns about your care?
- What activities do you want to continue?
- How can we help you lead a happier life?
It is important to keep in mind that care plans should be flexible. Namely, as your loved one’s illness changes, so should their plan, to reflect their shifting needs and situation.
Visiting Angels of Boulder County is a leading provider of non-medical at-home care for seniors. To learn more about the in-home assisted living services provided by our staff of compassionate caregivers, please call our Longmont office at (303) 828-2664 or contact us for more information.
Visiting Angels proudly serves Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward, and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.