Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of your life for people who are dealing with a life-threatening condition.
Many people think about palliative care as something that is offered to those who are in need of pain management relief, just before they pass away, but it goes much deeper than this. There is bound to be
some apprehension at the thought of palliative care, the mere pension of it can often
send shivers down the spine! However, it can offer a lot of benefits, not just to the
person suffering from the condition, but also for those around them – their family and
friends. If you are considering palliative care , you may gain
some peace of mind by considering all the benefits it can offer. These are some of
the advantages you can find with palliative care.
Patient-Centred
Palliative care is completely centred on the patient, and therefore, it takes their
considerations into account, including their hopes, goals and most importantly,
allows them to make their own decisions. It is important that someone suffering from
a serious condition is able to make their own decisions, especially as their illness
progresses. It can sometimes be difficult for families to really think about the person
behind the illness, and not take their own feelings into account, when determining
what to do. For instance, they may feel apprehensive that their family member is
taken out when they are in pain, and with the right palliative care, the pain can be
administered and the carer, with their expertise, knows exactly what to do if the pain
is an issue when outdoors.
Support for Family
It is extremely difficult to see a loved one suffering, and often family members feel a
bit abandoned, especially if there is only one or two of them. Our palliative care
services take the needs of family members into account too, and also provides
ongoing support at every stage. The family members our carers work with start to
view the carers as more of an extended family member, rather than just someone
looking after their loved one.
Better Quality of Life
It is vital to us that all of our patients live as fulfilling and active a life as possible, no
matter what stage they are at. In some cases, an active life might only involve going
for short walks, but we believe this is important to keep ensuring they enjoy their
lives, for as long as possible. The last thing we want is for any of our patients to feel
that they are being left in their home, and abandoned, we want them to know that we
value them, and that their happiness and comfort is paramount.
Understand Treatment Plans
One of the benefits of palliative care is administering pain relief, and also helping
patients, and their families to understand the treatment plans they are being offered.
This includes what they can expect from the treatment plans, and any potential side
effects. It is important to us that we communicate with our patients, and their families
on an ongoing basis, and that we make them feel as comfortable as possible about
the treatment plans, we are providing.
Improves Mental Wellbeing
Palliative care is not just about the physical wellbeing, it is also about spirituality and
ensuring the patient is comfortable and at ease with what may lie ahead. Without
being morbid, it is important that, if someone is dealing with a terminal illness, that
they don’t give up hope, but that they also are not afraid of death at the same time.
With our palliative care services, we focus on the body, mind and spirit, to ensure
that the mental health of our patients is good, regardless of any potential outcome.
Reduce Hospital Visits
Let’s face it – no one wants to spend time in hospital, it does nothing for mental wellbeing. With our palliative care services, we are able to administer pain relief,
which enables us to offer everything you would receive in hospital, but in the comfort
of your own home. Reducing unnecessary hospital visits is one of our priorities.
If you would like to find out more about the palliative care {link to palliative care}
services we offer, you can contact us at any time, and we will be
happy to discuss the options, and devise a suitable treatment plan.