When it comes to palliative care, many people have questions. Who is eligible? What services are provided? Is palliative care the same as hospice care? The good news is that there are lots of resources available to help you get the answers you need.
If you or a loved one are in need of palliative care, the best thing you can do is reach out for information. This FAQ is a great place to start. Here we will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about palliative care and how it might benefit you or your family member. Contact Compassus at 833.380.9583 to learn more today.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, whatever the diagnosis, along with a standard course of treatment. It is an extra layer of support to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Diagnoses that are often followed by palliative care include:
- Cancer
- COPD
- Dementia
- Heart failure
- Parkinson’s disease
Palliative care is not always end-of-life care. Patients may continue curative or life-prolonging treatments and move in and out of care as needed.
Palliative Care FAQ
The circumstances around palliative care make for an emotional and challenging time, and there are a lot of initial questions and concerns. A quick read from an online search or a phone call to a palliative care provider could address these frequently asked questions and ease your worries.
Some answers to common palliative care questions are shared below.
Medical care is complex; primary care doctors or specialists can’t do everything. Palliative care targets physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs that may need extra attention. The goals include:
- Improving the quality of life by helping patients gain strength, reduce stress, and improve their ability to tolerate medical treatments.
- Access to a team trained to listen and coordinate personalized care, so patients receive the care they want, especially during critical moments.
- Practical and emotional support for families
Talk to your doctor about ordering a palliative care consultation for you or someone you’re caring for. If the doctor feels you may benefit from a consultation, they will request one.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover all or part of the palliative care consultation. If you have questions about coverage, call your insurance company or a local Compassus location.
Palliative care is for people at any stage of their illness. The illness does not have to be life-threatening. Because of Medicare requirements, hospice is typically for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Care is provided by doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and others who coordinate with a patient’s medical team to ensure current needs are met, and goals are set for care in the future.
Benefits of Palliative Care
Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to help improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family by addressing physical, spiritual, psychological, social, and practical concerns.
Benefits of palliative care may include improved pain control and symptom management. It can also help patients better understand their condition and make informed decisions about their healthcare. Additionally, palliative care may help reduce stress for both the patient and their family members by providing emotional support, helping them to communicate more effectively with one another, and offering access to resources that can provide assistance during difficult times.
Finally, palliative care can help ensure that a patient’s end-of-life wishes are respected and that their last days are spent in comfort and dignity.
Consider Compassus for Palliative Care Support
If you are wondering what the next move should be after a difficult diagnosis, consider Compassus for palliative care support. Call us at 833.380.9583 today or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you. We’re here to help.
