Palliative Care Options
When someone you love is diagnosed with a terminal illness and the end is drawing near, you may consider palliative care options to help keep them comfortable. Family caregivers can choose either hospitals that offer palliative care programs, hospices, or in-home care. Before making the decision on what is best for your loved one, discuss needs with your loved one’s health care provider to determine the option that best meets those needs.
Here is an overview of the palliative care options:
Hospital Care
• 33% of mid-sized to large hospitals in Texas alone offer palliative care programs with 50 beds or more
• Patients get around the clock care to meet their medical needs
• Doctors and nurses will administer medications, and manage the basic needs of a patient
• Some hospitals may offer counseling services for families, or entertainment activities for the ailing patients
• Some hospitals may have staff that provide care only to the patients in the palliative care wing
• Other hospitals with smaller programs may not be 100% focused on the patients in the palliative care program
Hospice Care
• The hospice program has a philosophy that accepts death as the final stage of life
• Uses a variety of professionals, from medical providers, to social workers, therapists and more
• Administers pain medication to control symptoms and pain
• Spiritual care for the senior and family may be arranged
• Family conferences may be conducted by the main care provider so close family members know what to expect
• Bereavement counseling is arranged for the families once the senior has passed
Home Care
• Most palliative care in the US is administered at home
• Often the main caregiver is a family member or close friend who is responsible for administering medication and tending to the basic needs of the senior
• A medical professional, such as a nurse or doctor may supervise the well-being of the patient, by dropping by and providing instructions to the primary caregiver
• A professional caregiver can be hired to provide respite or care full-time; however, families have to look for an organization that deals with medical, vs. non-medical care
Sources: Caringinfo.org
CAPC.org
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
