When someone is dealing with a chronic illness, managing the symptoms and disease can add difficulty to an already difficult situation. Palliative care is an option for patients with a terminal illness that can lend them crucial support and help them to live in comfort as they cope with their condition.
Patients and their loved ones often have several questions about what palliative care entails and how it can enhance the quality of their lives. At Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care, we believe that patient comfort is the highest priority and tailor our palliative services to fit their diagnosis and circumstances.
Palliative Care Eligibility
If a patient is suffering from a chronic illness, is still seeking curative treatments, and needs extra support in managing their symptoms, they are more than likely eligible for palliative care. Palliative services can begin as soon as someone receives the terminal diagnosis. The care includes an entire care team that works together to provide specialized support to help control the symptoms or pain associated with the patient’s condition.
A patient’s eligibility for palliative care can fluctuate, however. Some patients may see an improvement in their condition and “graduate” from palliative services. Other patients might experience a decline in their health, progression of their disease, or a new prognosis from their doctor that might lead them to hospice care.
Personalized Support
The progression of a disease can vary from patient to patient, and because each patient’s situation is unique, we personalize our palliative program to meet each patient’s specific needs.
When a patient is admitted into Ardent’s palliative program, they are connected with a nurse who is able to consistently care and support that patient and their family. The nurse visits the patient based on the patient’s schedule and tailors the care to their comfort level and goals. One patient may want more information on their disease progression and what to expect; another may want better coordination with their doctor. We take the time to get to know a patient and their wishes, and very often, the nurse becomes an honorary part of the patient’s family, because of the support and peace they offer.
The Benefits of Palliative Care
Beyond a support system and care that is completely customized to a patient’s needs and condition, palliative care can offer several benefits to both the patient and their family.
Professional Care at Home
Palliative care is an extra set of eyes and hands in the home, so loved ones don’t need to take on the role or responsibility of being a nurse. Our nurses are trained to implement a carefully thought out treatment plan, so family members can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one will receive the best care possible.
24/7 Support
Alongside their dedicated nurse, patients and their loved ones have access to our 24/7 triage nurse. Families can feel at ease because they’re able to contact that nurse at any time with questions or concerns regarding their loved one’s illness.
Better Understanding of a Patient’s Illness
Sometimes, the scariest part of a disease or illness is not knowing what to expect. Our nurses can educate patients and families about their condition so they have a better understanding of what to anticipate and how to manage the symptoms in that specific state of the illness and as it progresses.
Coordination With a Patient’s Doctor
Patients on palliative care may also receive care from their primary physician as part of their normal treatment plan. Typically, though, our nurses visit and monitor the patient much more frequently than their doctor, which allows them to make observations the doctor might miss. Our nurses also develop a trusting relationship with the patient, so the patient might be more likely to be honest about any pain or discomfort they’re experiencing. This gives us the opportunity to bridge the gap between the patient and their doctor to make adjustments to the patient’s care plan as their condition progresses and develops. We can also coordinate appointments and medications to keep the patient compliant with the doctor’s care plan.
Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
One of our goals in providing palliative care is giving families confidence in knowing their loved one is cared for. We support family members as much as we support our patients. If there comes a time when a patient needs additional services, we already have a rapport with the family so that it’s a smooth transition all the way through.
For more information on how palliative care can bring comfort and a better quality of life to your loved one, visit Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care online or call us at (858) 952-1786 to set up a consultation.
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