Palliative Care in Palliative care can be extremely confusing for some caregivers and family members. Just because your loved one is choosing it now, that doesn’t mean that she’s giving up on her life.
As your loved one’s family caregiver, you might find yourself watching for signs that your loved one might be giving up. Her willingness to explore the options offered by palliative care providers might be one such sign that concerns you. The truth, however, is that palliative care is simply a different type of illness management and doesn’t mean that your loved one’s mental state is something to worry about.
It’s Not Just for People Who Are Dying
A common misconception is that palliative care means that your loved one is quite close to the end of her life. While this can be true in some situations, it’s not necessarily the case for everyone who decides to opt for palliative care. This is about improving your loved one’s quality of life as much as possible.
Chronic Health Conditions Need Special Care
So many health conditions require additional care and your loved one may decide that the traditional treatment methods are not working as well for her as she’d like. Palliative treatment plans focus on relieving the symptoms your loved one is facing. Progressive illnesses, such as heart disease or COPD, may require increasing levels of care over time.
Health Care Can Be Complicated
Chronic health conditions come with a variety of other issues, including emotional pain and distress. Palliative treatment offers a way for your loved one to deal with the emotional aspects of her illness. This might involve dealing with grief or even just the stress of having a chronic health problem. Everyone’s experience is different, too. Your loved one may need more hands-on help at some times than at others.
Your Loved One May Change Her Mind
Even if your loved one isn’t interested in more traditional medical treatments for her health conditions now, that doesn’t mean that she won’t change her mind. Your loved one’s health may also improve to such an extent that she no longer feels the need to have the help of her palliative care providers. This is a type of treatment that your loved one can enter into and leave as she needs it.
Ultimately, this type of care is about getting your loved one the best quality of life that she can possibly have.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering palliative care in Norristown, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.
Michael Drew, LNHA
Michael Drew LNHA is the administrator of Serenity Hospice PA, servicing the greater Bensalem and Philadelphia areas. In this capacity, he leads and inspires the company’s mission of providing quality and compassionate end-of-life care and supportive services for patients and their families, and to enhance their quality of life. Michael’s hallmark is his genuine concern for patients and his dedication to meeting their needs.
A veteran of providing quality healthcare, Michael has served with distinction in a variety of leadership capacities for nearly two decades, notably as administrator for several Skilled Nursing Facilities in New Jersey. Known as an innovative and solution-oriented individual, Michael has his finger on the pulse on new trends and concepts in providing quality care.
