If you have a serious, chronic illness, it may be time to look into palliative care. Palliative care offers patients with serious illnesses an avenue to improve their quality of life. Though there is a misconception that palliative care starts at the end of a person’s life, it is more beneficial to start as close to your diagnosis as possible.
Because every patient’s needs are different, palliative care looks different for every patient. Care may include services from physicians, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, and more. However, there are several core services we provide for every patient, regardless of their diagnoses.
Coordination of Care
Palliative care always begins with a serious discussion about your care needs. A care team consists of medical professionals suited to treat your specific symptoms and provide a holistic approach to your health. Many of our patient's needs are met through physical therapy, a specific pharmaceutical regimen, the assistance of a medical social worker, services for their family, and more. Each palliative care team is carefully selected to best suit the patient and their family member’s needs.
Treatment of Physical and Psychological Symptoms
Though many chronic illnesses involve primarily physical symptoms, individuals with these illnesses often experience psychological distress as well. Adapting to a lifestyle that includes new limitations and medical concerns is often stressful.
Palliative care focuses on the assessment and treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms. Our care team includes physicians and psychologists and also connects family members to grief or bereavement services. Both physical and psychological services are necessary to improve the patient’s day-to-day functioning and provide a holistic approach to their care.
Support for Spiritual Distress
Spirituality is a huge component of many people's lives, especially when faced with a serious illness. Viewing life from a spiritual perspective can provide comfort and peace. Our palliative care team will address your spiritual concerns by first assessing your need and then linking you to resources like a clergy member, church, or even a community of other individuals with chronic illnesses.
Your spirituality and mental health often go hand in hand, and addressing your spiritual needs plays a significant role in improving your mindset.
Clear Communication and Goals
Sometimes being diagnosed with a chronic illness can feel like a death sentence. Developing goals and a clear line of communication with your care team can go a long way in improving your quality of life.
Creating care goals gives you back some control over your health, giving you the confidence that you need to manage your hospice plans. Similarly, each palliative care team works to clearly communicate your prognosis, any updates to your condition, and treatment options available to you.
Though facing a long-term illness can be scary, palliative care allows you and your family members to receive the best services to increase the quality of your life.
Contact Hospice of the Golden Isles at 912.265.4735 today to learn more about our palliative care services.