Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. (https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/)
Improves Quality of Life
Palliative care teams specialize in treating people suffering from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and many more. This type of care treats pain, depression, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and any other symptoms that may be causing distress.
The team will help you gain the strength to carry on with daily life. In short, palliative care will help improve your quality of life.
Close Communication
The palliative care team will also spend time talking to you and listening. They will make sure you understand all of your treatment options and choices. By deeply exploring your personal goals, the palliative care team will help you match those goals and options. They will also make sure that all of your doctors are coordinated and know and understand what you want. This gives you more control over your care.
A Partnership of Palliative Care Team, Patient and Family
Palliative care teams are specialists who work together with you, your family and your other doctors. They provide an extra layer of support when you need it most. In addition to treating your symptoms, the palliative care team spends as much time as necessary communicating with both you and your family. They support you every step of the way.
Talking to Your Doctor
If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, you may benefit from palliative care. You can have palliative care at any point in your illness.
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