Dealing with a Serious Illness?

The Importance of Having a Palliative Care Team by Your Side

A Palliative Care team plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illness, particularly those with life-limiting or terminal conditions such as COPD, Heart Failure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer and more. A dedicated Palliative Care team can’t be overstated, as they offer specialized care and support beyond traditional medical treatment. Here are some critical reasons for the significance of a palliative care team:

1. Comprehensive Care: Palliative Care is holistic, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s well-being. The team provides a well-rounded approach to care. You need someone who looks at the individual as a whole, not a limited view. 
2. Symptom Management: Palliative Care specialists are experts in managing pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms associated with serious illnesses. They work to improve the patient’s comfort and overall quality of life.
3. Improved Communication Among Families and Caregivers: The team facilitates open and honest communication between patients, their families, and the healthcare providers. They help patients and families make informed decisions about their care and treatment options.
4. Extra Emotional Support: Coping with a serious illness can be emotionally distressing for patients and their families. Palliative Care teams offer emotional and psychological support to address anxiety, depression, and stress. Think of it as your extra ear in managing the stress of everyday life. 
5. Care Coordination: They help coordinate care among various healthcare professionals, ensuring that all aspects of the patient’s well-being are addressed, and treatments are well-integrated. Relieve the caregiver’s burden of organizing all the appointments and help to make sure all follow-ups are made.
6. Assistance with Complex Decision-Making: Patients and families often face complex medical decisions, such as end-of-life choices and advanced care planning. The Palliative Care team assists in navigating these decisions and helps patients express their preferences.
7. Enhanced Quality of Life: The primary goal of Palliative Care is to improve the patient’s quality of life, even when a cure is not possible. This can include improving comfort, mobility, and emotional well-being.
8. Support for Caregivers: Caregivers can also experience physical and emotional strain. Palliative Care teams provide guidance, education, and emotional support to caregivers to help them better care for their loved ones.
9. Respect for Patient Values: Palliative Care respects the values, beliefs, and goals of the patient. It ensures that the patient’s wishes are considered and upheld throughout their care.
10. End-of-Life Care: In cases where the patient’s condition is terminal, Palliative Care specialists are trained to provide end-of-life care that focuses on providing dignity, comfort, and support during the dying process.
11. Continuity of Care: The Palliative Care team can provide consistent care across different healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice, and home care, ensuring that the patient’s needs are met wherever they are.

Palliative Care is not limited to end-of-life care; it can be integrated at any stage of a serious illness. Having a Palliative Care team can greatly improve the patient’s and their family’s experience, offering support, comfort, and assistance throughout the journey of dealing with a severe or life-limiting medical condition. Chandler Hall’s dedicated Palliative Care staff can support you or your family along their journey. Call today at 267-291-2270 to see how the team can assist you. Or visit our Palliative Care page for a detailed guide of our services.