When is the Right Time to Consider Palliative Care?

18 Apr When is the Right Time to Consider Palliative Care?

Learn when to consider palliative care for a serious illness. Discover the benefits of early integration for symptom management and improved quality of life.

It’s a common misconception that palliative care is only for the very end of life. Many believe it’s a last resort, only when all other treatment options have been exhausted. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Palliative care is a valuable resource that can significantly improve quality of life at any stage of a serious illness, right from the moment of diagnosis.

So, when is the “right time” to consider palliative care? The answer is often as early as possible after receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness.

What is a Serious Illness?

A serious illness is a health condition that significantly impacts your daily life and overall well-being, and could potentially shorten your lifespan. This isn’t limited to just cancer; it includes conditions like heart failure, lung disease (like COPD), kidney disease, neurological conditions (like Parkinson’s or ALS), severe dementia, and many others.

How Can Palliative Care Help Early On?

Starting palliative care early means you don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe or the illness is advanced. An interdisciplinary palliative care team can work alongside your primary medical team to:

• Manage Symptoms: This is a cornerstone of palliative care. Whether it’s pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, or other distressing symptoms, the palliative care team has expertise in managing these effectively to improve your comfort.
• Improve Communication: The team can help facilitate clear and open communication between you, your family, and your medical providers. They can help you understand your illness, treatment options, and what to expect.
• Clarify Goals of Care: Palliative care helps you identify your personal goals and priorities for your care. This ensures that your treatment plan aligns with what is most important to you.
• Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support: A serious illness impacts more than just your physical health. Palliative care teams include social workers and chaplains who can provide support for the emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges you and your family may face.
• Navigate the Healthcare System: The healthcare system can be complex. The palliative care team can help coordinate your care among different specialists and services.
• Support for Families and Caregivers: Palliative care recognises that a serious illness affects the whole family. They offer support and resources for caregivers, helping them cope with the demands of caregiving.

Signs That It Might Be Time to Consider Palliative Care:

While early integration is ideal, here are some signs that it’s definitely a good time to talk to your doctor about palliative care:

• You are experiencing distressing symptoms that are not well-controlled by your primary treatment.
• You feel overwhelmed or stressed by your illness or its treatment.
• You have questions about your prognosis or treatment options.
• You and your family need support in coping with the emotional or practical challenges of the illness.
• You want to ensure your care aligns with your personal values and goals.

Talking to Your Doctor

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about how palliative care can be integrated into your treatment plan. You can say something like, “I’m interested in learning more about how palliative care can help me manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life while I’m going through treatment.” At Angelwings Hospice, we care about you. For personalised assistance, reach out to us at https://angelwingshospice.org/contact-us/

The Takeaway:

Palliative care is not about giving up; it’s about enhancing your life and providing crucial support during a challenging time. The right time to consider palliative care is whenever you are living with a serious illness and could benefit from an extra layer of support focused on comfort and quality of life. Starting early can make a significant difference in your journey.