Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life for Those Living with Illness

You may have heard the term ‘palliative care’ and wondered what it is or how it compares to other types of care. This specialized form of care may benefit any person living with a chronic or debilitating illness.

What is palliative care?
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), palliative care is an extra layer of support available to patients living with a serious illness such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and many other life-threatening conditions. In addition to receiving medical care for the illness itself, a palliative care patient receives services designed to improve their quality of life and make them more comfortable while they’re receiving treatment.

What are the benefits of palliative care?
NHPCO describes palliative care as focusing on easing pain and discomfort, reducing stress, soothing distress, and helping patients achieve the highest quality of life possible given their circumstances. It also benefits the family and those surrounding the patient by giving them extra support. In some cases, palliative care can help patients better understand their options for treatment and make a care plan that feels right for them.

Palliative care services may include pain and symptom management, practical help with tasks, and spiritual support, if desired. Palliative treatments may help address or ease uncomfortable symptoms or side effects of medical treatment such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.

How does palliative care differ from hospice care?
According to the National Institute on Aging, palliative care is intended to complement, not replace, the medical treatment a person is receiving for their illness. It can start at any time after a patient’s diagnosis, and the patient does not have to wait for their illness to become more severe before they can benefit from the comfort offered by palliative care.

In contrast, hospice care is engaged when a cure for the illness is no longer possible or realistic. Unlike palliative care that seeks to improve quality of life while the patient strives to get better, hospice care helps the patient face the end of their treatment and the end stages of their life with as much comfort and dignity as possible.

Kadan Homecare is a provider of home care services for seniors and those of any age who need personal care at home. We can complement the palliative care services delivered by other providers and be a supportive part of a patient’s care plan.

Dina Kadan White2022-08-30T15:33:05+00:00August 30th, 2022|

About the Author: Dina Kadan White

As Vice President of Kadan Homecare, White oversees the day-to-to day operations and assists with strategic planning for company. White has worked with Kadan full-time for the past 11 years, although she has been engaged with the family-run firm at some level for most of her adult life. Prior to joining Kadan, White served as Director of Product Development at Equifax and previously was a Marketing Director with Wachovia. These jobs prepared her well for a position where she works for the benefit of all aspects of this highly client-focused agency. White holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a member of the National Private Duty Association, a membership organization for firms whose homecare model is to employ, train, monitor and supervise caregivers, create a plan of care for the client and work toward a safe and secure environment for the person at home. White is also a member of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.