About Palliative Care

Posted bycraighowes1989Posted inUncategorized

Overview

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, no matter the diagnosis or stage of disease. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained people. They work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.

Why it’s done

Palliative care may be offered to people of any age who have a serious or life-threatening illness. It can help adults and children living with illnesses such as:

  • Cancer
  • Blood and bone marrow disorders requiring stem cell transplant
  • Heart disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Dementia
  • End-stage liver disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Lung disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke

Symptoms that may be improved by palliative care include:

  • Pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Depression or sadness
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anorexia
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping

How you prepare

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your first consultation appointment.

  • Bring a list of symptoms you’re experiencing. Note specifically what makes the symptoms better or worse and whether they affect your ability to go about your daily activities.
  • Bring a list of medications and supplements you use.
  • Consider bringing a family member or friend with you to the appointment.
  • Bring any advance directives and living wills you’ve completed.

What you can expect

Palliative care is an approach to care that you may want to access at any stage of a serious illness. It helps you manage symptoms and address concerns that matter most to you. You may consider palliative care when you have questions about:

  • What to expect with your care plan and how to tailor it to what matters most to you
  • What programs and resources are available to support you throughout your illness
  • Your treatment options and their pros and cons
  • Making decisions in line with your personal values and goals

Your first meeting may take place while you’re in the hospital or in an outpatient clinic. Research indicates that early use of palliative care services can improve the quality of life for patients with serious illness, decrease depression and anxiety, increase patient and family satisfaction with care, and, in some cases, even extend survival.

Original Article:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/palliative-care/about/pac-20384637?fbclid=IwAR1dromj-ESDKcj3O9gw7slW1QPTekEfSb7C2jUTFkXyvrZoEf8eK_cvd2M

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