Understanding Palliative Care:
Enhancing Quality of Life for Patients and Families
There is no crystal ball to determine when or how an individual's good health will wane. People don't like to think about dealing with a critical health dilemma. However, when it happens, people want to live as well as possible in their given circumstances. Most folks tiptoe around advance care planning and, therefore, are not well-informed about resources available when faced with a health crisis.
Palliative care is a service that helps patients navigate and manage the physical and mental anguish surrounding a life-altering illness or injury. This specialty is new to the world of healthcare and is often confused with hospice. Palliative care fills a gap in healthcare for those who are not candidates for hospice because they are not in the last months of life, although they suffer from extreme, ongoing pain or other symptoms. The specialized care provides an added layer of support for relief of pain, symptoms, and stress for people coping with serious illness, regardless of prognosis. Palliative care also offers support to patients’ families.
Specialists in palliative care provide expert consultation and co-management, much like other specialists, such as cardiologists for heart issues, dermatologists for skin issues, or oncologists for cancer care. Unlike most disease management specialties, palliative care addresses the whole person, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual. In addition to pain, many issues can be addressed, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and difficulty sleeping. Palliative care is in addition to the treatments a patient already receives; it does not replace current treatments or doctors.
How do I know if palliative care is right for me?
Palliative care can be provided for patients of any age and at any stage of illness, along with other treatment you may be receiving. It’s an extra layer of support that improves your quality of life while you receive all other treatments. In addition to medical support for pain, stress or any other symptoms due to your condition, palliative care offers emotional relief.
What can I expect from palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on ways to provide relief through symptom management, goals of care, advance care planning and additional support. You can expect:
• Relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea and loss of sleep
• To better understand your condition and choices for medical care
• Additional support for you and your family to navigate your new routine as best as possible
How does palliative care work with my doctor?
If you suffer from an illness(es) such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or cancer, our palliative care provider will work with your doctor(s) to provide additional support for you and your family.
How do I get started?
To get started, ask your primary care provider or specialist if a referral to a palliative care provider would benefit you. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care like other medical services.
Firelands Physician Group palliative care appointments are by referral only. Call 419-557-7858.
Remember that palliative care is designed to help you live as comfortably as possible while dealing with a serious illness. Don't hesitate to seek out this valuable support when you need it most.
