Palliative Care in Upper Darby PA: Understanding the kinds of symptoms your loved one might experience during palliative care can help you to deal with them more readily when you’re in that situation.
Lots of things can change for your elderly loved one when she moves to palliative care and some of them might catch you a little off guard if you’re not prepared.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Whether it’s due to changes in your loved one’s health conditions or other causes, she’s likely to be a little more drowsy than you might be used to seeing. It’s a good idea to plan activities and visits with other family members for the times of day when your loved one is more awake and alert. You might also want to explain to them what is going on with your loved one so they’re prepared.
Confusion about Place or Time
If your loved one is sleeping a lot off and on, it’s very easy for her to forget for a bit where she is, what day it is, or what time it is. Prepare yourself to give her a gentle reminder now and again or when she seems confused. That can help to alleviate uncertainty for her.
Decreased Appetite
Again, being sleepier than usual might have the effect of reducing your loved one’s appetite. Talk with her doctor about the kinds of foods she should be eating at this time and keep some of her favorite food and drink choices available so that they’re ready when she is.
Incontinence Issues
Depending on your loved one’s health conditions, incontinence and bowel issues may have always been a problem or they could be a new symptom based on this new level of care your loved one is receiving. The best thing to do for her is to help keep her as clean and dry as possible. Special sheets and bedding can help with those issues.
Difficulty Breathing
If your loved one has difficulty breathing, she may need to change her position. You can use pillows to help prop her into a comfortable position that makes it easier for her to breathe. You might also want to get a thermometer for the room that can measure both temperature and humidity. If the humidity dips too low, you can turn on a humidifier to help her breathe.
Your loved one’s palliative care providers are there to help her and you manage all of these symptoms as well as those specific to your loved one’s health conditions.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering palliative care in Upper Darby, 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.
