What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care is a type of medical care that provides comfort and support for patients with serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, or kidney disease and has the advantage of being able to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.  

Palliative care is not limited to those with terminal illnesses – It is provided to people who have life-limiting or chronic conditions and need intensive treatment to manage or relieve pain. Patients can receive palliative care in the most comfortable setting for themselves and their loved ones, including their home, which is oftentimes one of the most important aspects for those going through life-altering illnesses.

Palliative care teams typically consist of multi-disciplinary groups of healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, social workers and chaplains who work together to provide the best care possible for the patient. They are able to provide information on treatment options and help patients understand both the risks and benefits of various treatments. They can also provide guidance and support for patients and their families in navigating the healthcare system.

Palliative care teams manage multiple symptoms and side effects from serious illnesses and help reduce hospitalizations. This can improve the quality of life for patients and their loved ones and help reduce stress.

Palliative care can also be beneficial for the psychological and emotional well-being of patients and their families. Professional teams can provide spiritual and emotional support for patients and their families during difficult times. This includes counseling, support groups, and assistance for patients and their families as they deal with the psychological and emotional impact of serious illness.

Palliative care can often be confused with other types of care such as ‘hospice care‘ and ‘end-of-life care’. In reality, all three are different. Here are some common misconceptions of palliative care:

“Having palliative care means I’m going to die soon”

Palliative care can be received at any stage of your illness, which differs from hospice care and end-of-life care. Some people receive palliative care right after they have been diagnosed. Others may wait until the end of their illness to start. If they have a chronic condition, some people receive palliative treatment for many years. It all depends on what type of condition you have, and the treatment you choose.

“I will no longer be seen by any other specialists who are familiar with my specific health condition.”

Palliative care may be provided alongside other therapies and treatments that are related to your condition. You may be given radiotherapy for cancer but still receive palliative treatment to manage your pain and help you with daily chores.

“Palliative Care is not fit for friends and family”

Palliative care places the patient at the center, but their loved ones and friends are also included in the care. We know how difficult it is for your loved ones to cope with your illness.

Our Palliative C.A.R.E. Approach

It’s important to find the best palliative care partners to meet your goals of care. At Charter, we know making decisions about your health or the health of a loved one can be overwhelming at times. We pride ourselves on helping patients and families navigate their total health care journey; you can feel confident your needs will be met. Our palliative care approach is centered on four key principles: coordination, access, response and education.

• Coordination– We work with your primary care provider to coordinate a plan of care for effective pain and symptom management.
• Access– We’re always available to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Response– We ensure patients receive visits routinely as often as they need them.
• Education– We take the necessary time to discuss care options, so you understand how our plans support your goals of care.

For more information about our palliative care services, visit our website or contact us at 909-644-4965.