Comfort Care Services Alleviate Challenging Stages of Life
Palliative care is a crucial aspect of healthcare that prioritizes the well-being of individuals during the final stages of life. This holistic approach addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of serious illness, ensuring individuals are as comfortable and pain-free as possible[1].
Palliative care can be received at any age and throughout all stages of serious illness. It is an extra layer of support to help patients tolerate treatments and manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and stress[1].
The primary difference between palliative care and hospice care lies in timing and treatment goals. Palliative care begins at any stage of a serious illness, including right after diagnosis, and is provided alongside curative treatments to improve quality of life by managing symptoms and side effects. Hospice care, on the other hand, is a specific form of palliative care reserved for patients with a terminal illness who are expected to live about six months or less, focusing entirely on comfort rather than curative treatments[2][3][5].
In hospice care, individuals can work with the team to ensure their wishes for end-of-life care are honored. Counseling and other resources are available to help individuals cope with the challenges that arise[2].
Specialists can help set priorities and preferences to ensure treatment aligns with values. Advance directives, such as a health care proxy or living will, can formalize the process of palliative care[2].
Palliative care is a person-centered approach that benefits individuals and families facing serious illness. Informed choices made about care prioritize comfort, dignity, and overall well-being[2].
Dr. Erin Denney-Koelsch, the interim chief for UR Medicine Palliative Care, emphasizes the importance of discussing healthcare preferences and goals among families and ensuring they are followed by the care team[4].
In summary, all hospice care is palliative care, but not all palliative care leads to hospice. Palliative care supports living better with illness; hospice care supports dying better with comfort at the end of life[3][5].
[1] National Institute of Nursing Research (2020). Palliative Care: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.ninr.nih.gov/health-topics/palliative-care [2] National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (2020). What is Palliative Care? Retrieved from https://www.nhpco.org/about-us/what-is-palliative-care/ [3] American Cancer Society (2020). Palliative Care and Supportive Care. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/palliative-care-and-supportive-care.html [4] University of Rochester Medical Center (2021). Palliative Care. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/care/services/palliative-care.aspx [5] National Cancer Institute (2020). Palliative Care and Supportive Care. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/supportive-care/palliative-care
- Science suggests that good sleep plays a significant role in workplace wellness, as lack of sleep can exacerbate medical conditions like chronic diseases, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
- Digestive health is crucial, with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) being common issues.
- Maintaining eye health is essential, especially for those with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or neurological disorders that may cause vision problems.
- Hearing health is often overlooked but can significantly impact mental health, affecting our ability to communicate and process information effectively.
- Fitness and exercise are essential components of health and wellness, helping to manage chronic diseases and maintain cardiovascular health.
- Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and is equally important for both men's health and women's health.
- Skin care is crucial, with various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis affecting millions worldwide.
- Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions, such as chemotherapy for cancer or physical therapy for cardiovascular health, can have side effects that require palliative care.
- Aging brings its own set of health challenges, including age-related macular degeneration, hearing loss, and cardiovascular issues.
- Parenting requires understanding and managing various child-related health issues, from common childhood illnesses to chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
- Medicare provides coverage for palliative care services, a crucial factor for many elderly individuals dealing with serious illnesses.
- Aging can also affect mental health, with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's becoming more common, necessitating additional palliative care support and resources.
