Palliative care can be a bit of a mystery for many, especially when it comes to understanding how it can benefit both patients and families. 

It’s a service that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but when you need it, you’ll realize just how invaluable it is. Whether you’re exploring care options for a loved one with a chronic illness or trying to figure out what it all entails, we’ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common questions about palliative care.

What Exactly Is Palliative Care, and How Is It Different from Hospice Care?

First things first: let’s clear up a common misconception. Palliative care is often confused with hospice care, but they are not the same thing. Hospice care is specifically for patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness and have stopped curative treatments. Palliative care, on the other hand, is focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, whether those illnesses are terminal or not. It’s about managing pain, alleviating symptoms, and offering support for the patient and their family throughout the course of the illness.

Palliative care can begin at any point in a person’s illness—often alongside curative treatments. This makes it a versatile option for those who are not yet ready for hospice but still need help managing their symptoms and improving their day-to-day well-being.

How Can Palliative Care Improve the Quality of Life for My Parent Living with a Chronic or Serious Illness?

When a loved one is dealing with a chronic or serious illness, it can feel overwhelming. Palliative care is designed to make this journey more manageable. For patients, it helps relieve symptoms like pain, nausea, and fatigue—things that can make daily life difficult. But it goes beyond just physical symptoms. Palliative care also addresses emotional and psychological well-being, helping patients feel more in control and less isolated.

For family members, it’s a huge relief to know that someone is helping manage their loved one’s care. Palliative care provides support not only for the patient but also for the family, guiding them through complex medical decisions and offering respite when needed.

When Should We Consider Starting Palliative Care for Our Loved One, and How Early Can It Be Integrated into Their Treatment Plan?

You don’t have to wait until things become dire to consider palliative care. In fact, the earlier you start, the better the outcomes tend to be. Many people think palliative care is only for the end of life, but that’s not the case. It can be integrated into a treatment plan as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed, and it can help alleviate suffering from the very start.

If your loved one is dealing with a chronic illness—whether it’s cancer, heart disease, or another serious condition—palliative care can be started early to manage symptoms and improve their overall comfort. There’s no need to wait for a crisis. Palliative care is all about improving quality of life, no matter where someone is in their illness journey.

What Services Are Included in Palliative Care from Always Best Care, and Who Provides Them?

At Always Best Care, palliative care is designed to meet the individual needs of each patient. The services offered typically include:

• Pain management: Ensuring that the patient is as comfortable as possible by addressing physical pain.
• Symptom relief: Addressing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• Emotional and psychological support: Offering counseling and support for both the patient and family members.
• Spiritual care: Assisting with spiritual concerns or offering support for those who seek it.
• Care coordination: Working with the patient’s existing medical team to ensure that all aspects of their care are seamlessly integrated.
  

The services are provided by a team of highly skilled professionals, including registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare providers, all with specialized training in palliative care.

How Do We Know if Always Best Care’s Caregivers Are Qualified for Palliative Roles?

When it comes to palliative care, it’s important to ensure that the caregivers are not only compassionate but also properly trained. Always Best Care is dedicated to hiring qualified professionals who are skilled in palliative care. Our caregivers undergo rigorous training and are experienced in managing the complex needs of patients with serious illnesses.

Caregivers at Always Best Care are highly trained in both the medical and emotional aspects of palliative care, ensuring they can provide not just clinical care but also the compassion and support your loved one needs during this time.

Will Our Parent Have to Give Up Their Doctor or Curative Treatments if They Start Palliative Care?

One of the great things about palliative care is that it doesn’t require patients to give up their curative treatments. In fact, palliative care works alongside other medical treatments to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible while still receiving the care they need for their illness.

For example, if your loved one is undergoing chemotherapy, palliative care can be integrated into their treatment plan to help manage side effects like nausea and fatigue. Palliative care is designed to complement curative treatments, not replace them.

How Does Palliative Care Address Not Only Pain But Also Emotional and Spiritual Needs?

Palliative care isn’t just about pain management—it’s about treating the whole person. This means that emotional and spiritual needs are given just as much attention as physical symptoms.

• Emotional care: Palliative care teams offer counseling and support to help patients cope with the stress, fear, and anxiety that can come with living with a serious illness.
• Spiritual care: For those who seek it, spiritual support is available to help navigate existential questions or find peace during a difficult time.
  

These aspects of care are essential in helping patients maintain dignity and peace of mind, no matter what stage of their illness they are in.

What Support Is Available for Family Caregivers Through Always Best Care?

Caring for a loved one with a serious illness can be physically and emotionally draining. That’s why Always Best Care offers support for family caregivers as well. Our team provides respite care, helping family members take a break from caregiving duties so they can recharge.

Additionally, we offer guidance and education to help caregivers feel more confident in their role. Whether it’s learning how to manage specific symptoms or receiving emotional support, we’re here to help both the patient and their family navigate the challenges of caregiving.

What Are the Costs Involved, and How Can Families Pay for Palliative Care Services?

The cost of palliative care can vary depending on the level of care required and the specific services needed. However, many families are surprised to learn that palliative care is often covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Always Best Care works with families to help determine the best payment options, whether through insurance, private pay, or other financial assistance programs.

We also offer free consultations to help you understand your options and what’s covered under your insurance plan.

How Do We Get Started with Palliative Care in Garner, and What Is the First Step with Always Best Care?

Getting started with palliative care is easy. The first step is to reach out to Always Best Care to schedule a consultation. During this consultation, one of our care coordinators will discuss your loved one’s needs, answer any questions you have, and guide you through the process. From there, we’ll develop a customized care plan that fits your loved one’s unique situation.

FAQ:

Q: When can I start palliative care for my loved one?
A: Palliative care can begin as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed, even if the person is still undergoing curative treatments. The earlier, the better!

Q: Does palliative care replace my loved one’s doctor?
A: No, palliative care works alongside your loved one’s doctor and curative treatments to provide additional support and comfort.

Get the Answers You Need: Discover How Palliative Care Can Support Your Loved One in Garner

Palliative care offers a valuable service for families navigating the challenges of serious illness. By focusing on comfort, pain management, emotional support, and coordination of care, it can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and provide much-needed relief for caregivers. If you’re considering palliative care for a loved one in Garner, Always Best Care is here to help. 

Contact us today at 919-554-2223 and schedule your complimentary care consultation to learn more about how we can support you and your family.