I Think My Parent Needs Palliative Care: Where Do I Begin?
Nov 08, 2024
When a parent develops a serious illness, it can feel overwhelming and distressing. Palliative care isn't about giving up; it's about ensuring that your parents receive the proper support while continuing treatment.
Our team of skilled professionals at 24/7 Care at Home provides comprehensive, personalized care with expertise in home health care. For patients receiving palliative care, the team ensures patients receive top-quality care that eases symptoms and improves quality of life while receiving treatment for a serious or life-threatening condition.
If you need help figuring out where to start, here's a guide to help you take the first steps toward finding the best care for your parents.
Palliative care is designed for people at any stage of an illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Unlike hospice care, which is for patients with a limited life expectancy, palliative care can be provided to patients who are still undergoing treatment for their illness. Aims of palliative care include managing pain, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms that might be impacting your parent’s daily life.
24/7 Care At Home offers in-home palliative care services, which may be a fit if your parent wants to remain home while receiving care. Home care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital care and allows patients to maintain their independence while receiving treatment in a familiar environment.
The 24/7 Care At Home palliative care team is available around the clock to provide symptom management, emotional support, and specialized care tailored to your parent's needs. This flexibility means that the team can adapt care to meet your parent's changing health situation, offering high support throughout the treatment process.
A comprehensive in-home palliative care consultation with our team is the first step toward palliative care. During your visit, our skilled team will thoroughly review your parent's medical history, current treatment plan, and medications. The aim is to gain a deep understanding of your parent's needs so the team can craft a personalized care plan that enhances their comfort and quality of life.
We also perform a physical exam to assess symptoms and identify areas where we can offer immediate relief. Depending on your parent's condition, we recommend diagnostic tests like blood work, urine tests, or heart function assessments to monitor their health throughout the care process.
We closely monitor your parent's health, adjusting their care plan as their needs evolve. Our team collaborates, constantly communicating with specialists to ensure every treatment decision is carefully considered.
Palliative care is designed to address patients' physical, emotional, and psychological needs, and a full range of treatments is available to ensure comprehensive support. These treatments may include nutritional guidance, medications to manage pain and symptoms, and occupational and physical therapy to improve mobility and comfort. Integrative therapies like massage therapy and counseling help manage stress and enhance overall well-being.
At 24/7 Care At Home, the team offers a holistic approach, connecting you or your loved one with various specialists, such as a chaplain, social worker, dietitian, or psychologist. Depending on your needs, the team may also recommend working with a physical therapist, massage therapist, or an advanced directive specialist to guide decisions about future care.
It's important to involve your parents in decision-making as much as possible. Discuss what kind of care they are comfortable with, their preferences for treatment, and how they envision their quality of life moving forward. Palliative care is about addressing their physical and emotional needs, so understanding their wishes can ensure they feel in control of their care.
If you believe your parent may benefit from palliative care, contact the compassionate team at 24/7 Care At Home for professional in-home palliative care. Don't hesitate to contact our team today to learn more about how we can support your parents and provide the care they deserve.