How Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life

22 Apr How Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life

Learn how palliative care goes beyond pain management to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals and families facing a serious illness through comprehensive support.

Many people associate palliative care primarily with pain relief. While expert pain management is a crucial component, palliative care offers a much broader range of support aimed at significantly improving the quality of life for individuals living with a serious illness, as well as their families. It’s about holistic care that addresses the person, not just the disease.

So, what does “improving quality of life” actually look like in the context of palliative care? It goes far beyond simply managing physical discomfort. Here are some of the key ways a palliative care team makes a difference:

Comprehensive Symptom Management:

Yes, pain is addressed, but so are many other distressing symptoms that can impact daily living. This includes:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Finding effective ways to control sickness.
• Shortness of Breath: Implementing strategies and treatments to ease breathing difficulties.
• Fatigue: Exploring causes and ways to manage overwhelming tiredness.
• Loss of Appetite: Offering guidance and support for nutritional challenges.
• Anxiety and Depression: Providing emotional support, counselling, and potentially medication to manage the psychological burden of illness.
• Constipation and Other Bowel Issues: Addressing digestive discomfort.

Emotional and Psychological Support:

Living with a serious illness can be emotionally taxing. Palliative care teams include social workers and counsellors who provide a safe space to discuss fears, anxieties, and the changes the illness brings. They help patients and families cope with the emotional impact and find ways to maintain emotional well-being.

Spiritual Care:

For many, a serious illness brings spiritual questions and challenges. Chaplains or spiritual care providers on the palliative care team offer support aligned with the individual’s beliefs and values, providing comfort and a sense of peace.

Improved Communication and Shared Decision-Making:

The palliative care team acts as a bridge, ensuring clear and open communication between the patient, family, and all their doctors. They help patients understand their illness and treatment options fully, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care that align with their values and goals. This supportive care approach ensures your voice is heard.

Practical Support:

Serious illness can bring practical challenges. Palliative care teams can help connect families with resources in the community, assist with navigating healthcare paperwork, and guide on practical matters that ease the burden on both the patient and caregivers.

Support for Families and Caregivers:

Palliative care recognises the vital role of family and caregivers. They provide education, emotional support, and resources to help families cope with the stresses of caregiving and the emotional toll of watching a loved one live with a serious illness.

Coordination of Care:

With multiple doctors and appointments, managing care can be complex. The palliative care team helps coordinate all aspects of care, ensuring everyone is on the same page and that the patient’s needs are being met efficiently. At Angelwings Hospice, we care about you. For personalised assistance, reach out to us at https://angelwingshospice.org/contact-us/

In essence, palliative care is about living as well as possible for as long as possible, despite the challenges of a serious illness. It’s a proactive approach to care that focuses on comfort, control, and comprehensive support for both the patient and their loved ones. If you are living with a serious illness, talk to your doctor about how palliative care can become a valuable part of your care plan to improve your quality of life.