Does Palliative Care Differ from the Care I’m Receiving Now?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, you may have heard the term “palliative care” mentioned by healthcare providers. Many people assume it’s the same as hospice care or that it means giving up on a cure. However, the truth is much different. Understanding what palliative care truly offers can open the door to better symptom management, improved quality of life and stronger support systems for both patients and families.

At Shiloh Hospice, we’re committed to helping patients and families navigate life with serious illnesses with compassion and clarity. Here’s what makes palliative care unique and how it can complement the care you’re already receiving.

What Makes Palliative Care Different than Other Types of Treatment?

Palliative care differs from other medical treatments in several important ways:

• It focuses on improving and maintaining quality of life, not just curing disease
• It can begin at any stage of illness, even alongside curative treatment
• It addresses physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs
• It involves a specialized team working with your current doctors

In short, palliative care is designed to provide extra support without replacing your existing care.

One crucial point: palliative care is not the same as hospice. While hospice is a type of palliative care reserved for patients nearing the end of life, palliative care can begin at diagnosis and continue alongside treatments aimed at curing or controlling your illness. You don’t have to stop chemotherapy, dialysis or other therapies to receive palliative care.

How Palliative Care Can Enhance Current Treatments

Your doctors are experts at medically treating your specific condition. Palliative care providers work alongside them to address other aspects of your care and provide holistic treatment.

Comprehensive Symptom Management

Managing a serious illness often means dealing with multiple symptoms: some from the disease itself, others from treatment side effects. Palliative care specialists help you control these symptoms to keep you comfortable.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Facing a serious illness affects more than your body. Many patients experience anxiety, depression or existential questions about meaning and purpose. A palliative care team may include social workers and chaplains who can provide counseling and support tailored to your emotional and spiritual needs.

Better Communication and Decision-Making

Understanding your treatment options and making informed decisions can feel overwhelming. Palliative care providers take time to explain your choices clearly, ensuring you understand what each option means for your daily life. They can help facilitate conversations between you, your family and your medical team so everything stays aligned with your goals and preferences.

Family Support

Serious illness doesn’t just affect the patient. It impacts the entire family. Caregivers often experience burnout, stress and other struggles. Palliative care extends support to family members, offering counseling and practical guidance on how to care for their loved one while taking care of themselves.

Who Benefits from Palliative Care?

Palliative care isn’t limited to a specific age group or type of illness. It’s appropriate for anyone dealing with serious conditions such as:

• Cancer
• COPD or other lung diseases
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Kidney disease
• Any progressive or life-limiting illness

Implementing palliative care services in any of these circumstances can result in higher satisfaction with patient care, improved symptom control and better overall quality of life.

Start a Path Toward More Comprehensive Care

Palliative care offers an extra layer of support that can make a meaningful difference in your experience with serious illness. It doesn’t mean giving up on treatment or losing hope. Rather, it means ensuring you receive comprehensive care that addresses every aspect of your well-being while seeking a positive outcome.

If you’re looking for more than your current level of care or wondering whether palliative care might benefit you or a loved one, contact Shiloh Hospice today. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore your options.