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In patients with serious or life-threatening diseases, palliative care offers comfort and the easing of side effects. Depending on the prognosis, this type of in-home care can also be combined with treatments overseen by the patient’s regular physician. If you have a loved one with a serious illness, discover what these services entail and signs it may be time to transition to this type of care below.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is provided by home aides and other specialty caregivers who aim to minimize a patient’s symptoms as significantly as possible. These compassionate professionals help with relieving pain, fulfilling practical needs, and in some cases, offering emotional and spiritual support. Patients with illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s are often eligible for palliative services.

Caregivers can perform a broad range of duties to support the patient’s needs, such as administering medication. They communicate closely with patients to address any symptoms causing discomfort, such as nausea, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, they can offer support to help patients navigate the emotional challenges of their illness. Care providers can also communicate with family members and doctors.

When Is It Time for Palliative Care?

palliative carePalliative care can be given at any stage of a serious illness, and patients may receive it while undergoing other forms of treatments. This type of care can even help someone understand their treatment options, as the caregiver works closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Patients can still pursue this care while receiving other treatments meant to cure their illness.

With that said, a patient may decide it’s time to enlist help to focus on their comfort if they have a condition that has caused them to experience multiple hospital stays. Decreased independence and increased emotional stress may also indicate a need for palliative treatment. Additionally, this solution can help prevent burnout among family members who are providing care, thereby allowing them to offer a greater level of emotional support to their loved one while also tending to their own needs.

 

If you or a family member has a serious disease and you’re considering palliative care, allow the compassionate providers from Lifetime Care to help. With locations in Rochester, Dundee, Auburn, Lakeville, and Newark, this group of caregivers provides patients throughout the Finger Lakes region with attentive and individualized services. From emotional support to symptoms management, their caring team is committed to ensuring comfort for their patients at every stage of life. Learn more about palliative services on their website or call (585) 214-1000 to reach an associate.

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