How Palliative & End-of-Life Care Can Improve Quality of Life
When an aging senior in Loveland, CO, is diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s important for their families to know that different care options are available to them. Once you explore them, you may determine that one option has a higher likelihood of bringing the level of comfort and support your loved one needs. During these challenging times, both palliative and end-of-life care have the potential to make a positive difference in a person’s wellbeing by providing physical and emotional support tailored just for them.
Understanding the Difference Between Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Hospice care and palliative care are equally focused on enhancing a vulnerable, often older person’s comfort and quality of life, but there are some important distinctions between the two. Palliative care can be provided alongside medical support from the moment a patient is diagnosed with a disease, as well as to people suffering from kidney failure, cancer, dementia, and a wide range of other conditions.
On the other hand, someone receiving hospice care has usually stopped receiving treatment for their condition and is expected to live less than six months. While their pain can still be managed, the decision is often made when it becomes apparent that cures are no longer effective or available.
Both of these services can be received in the comfort of the senior’s home, as well as in an assisted living facility.
How The Two Services Can Enhance Wellbeing for Seniors
When seeking the most appropriate type of care for an aging family member, keep in mind that individuals with chronic disease are typically suffering from more than just physical pain. Often, they also experience feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, or fear of death. At the same time, you may want to address your own complicated emotions as you try to keep up with the demands of family caregiving.
What palliative and end-of-life care have in common is that they both emphasize aid for the whole person – including their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing, while also providing peace of mind to family members.
There are many ways the two care programs can make a difference for seniors and their families. While the details will depend on the specific situation, areas typically addressed include:
- Pain and symptom management.
- Maintaining a comfortable environment for the senior.
- A warm, respectful, and dignified approach to care.
- A recognition of the feelings and frustrations the care recipient may be feeling.
- Mobility and transfer assistance for those who struggle physically.
- Personal care tasks like helping in the bathroom, with grooming, and other self-care routines.
- Companionship and conversation to prevent feelings of isolation and help older seniors stay connected to loved ones via technology.
Often, the emotional support and practical assistance they offer end up being a much-needed respite for family caregivers who need a break from their duties.
Accessing Care in Loveland
Families of older seniors in the Loveland area requiring support after a stroke or who are in their final years should know they have options close to home. Visiting Angels’ Certified Palliative Care and End-of-Life programs offer seniors and their families compassionate, non-medical support wherever they live so they can remain in a familiar setting and won’t have to be moved somewhere else. Flexible, in-home care services such as these are designed to complement the assistance clients are receiving from a physician, so you don’t need to worry that it might interfere with their existing treatment plan.
What will happen is a well-matched, professional caregiver will be there when you need them to help with household tasks, personal care, and medication reminders. For some clients, it’s just as meaningful to have someone providing a comforting presence in the context of their palliative or hospice care program. We assist seniors with a variety of conditions, including lung disease, Alzheimer’s, and those recovering from a recent surgery or illness.
Let Visiting Angels Help
Are you looking for the best way to support a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness? If so, we are here for you with a personalized plan to address whatever situation you are facing. When you or your care team partners with Visiting Angels Loveland, we will create a customized care plan that takes all of your unique needs into account.
Reach out to us at your leisure to schedule a free consultation. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 970-292-5668 to get started.