Palliative care is designed for patients of any age and at any stage of a life-limiting illness who wish to receive additional support beyond their current treatment. The primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
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Palliative Care
Palliative Care
You want your loved one to receive the proper care they need through every stage of their treatment. Older adults should think ahead about their end-of-life care preferences and inform their medical providers accordingly. Shiloh Hospice works with you as you and your loved one determine the next stages. Palliative care is a good option when a patient wishes to receive additional support beyond their current treatment.
Comforting Your Family With Palliative Care
Palliative care is a form of specialized medical care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. They might receive care for their symptoms alongside treatment that intends to cure the disease. Palliative care is designed to amplify the care the patient currently receives by improving their quality of life.
Palliative care may be a suitable option for patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer, dementia, heart failure, COPD and Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family, and it can begin no matter the stage of the illness. Furthermore, palliative care informs patients of their options for medical treatment. The services available through this resource can be helpful to someone who is dealing with general discomfort or a disability later in life.
Who Provides Palliative Care?
Our palliative care team consists of various professionals who work alongside the patient, their family and their doctors to provide medical, emotional, spiritual and social support. Our nurses, doctors, social workers and chaplains work together to assist a patient, although the exact team members vary depending on the patient’s unique needs. In order to start palliative care, the patient’s healthcare provider might refer them to a specialist, or this referral can be requested if needed.
What to Expect During Palliative Care
The goal of palliative care is to manage the symptoms of an illness and side effects of medical treatments. Palliative care can be given alongside curative treatment as per the patient’s wishes and the physician’s discretion. It may be an option to consider when you are wondering:
- If there are any programs or resources available to help you during your illness.
- What your treatment options are and reasons for/against them.
- Deciding on care that’s in line with your personal goals and values.
Research has shown that using palliative care early can ease depression and anxiety, boost the patient’s satisfaction with the care they receive and improve one’s quality of life when they have a serious illness.
If palliative care does not help the patient as time passes, the doctor may recommend one of two options. The patient may transition to hospice care if the prognosis is less than six months. Or, the emphasis on comfort care can increase.
Contact Us to Learn More
Choosing palliative care is a highly personal decision. You deserve to have all the information necessary to confidently make a decision that will be best for your family. Shiloh Hospice is here for you during this difficult time. Contact our compassionate care providers to learn more about palliative care.
FAQs About Palliative Care in Illinois
How does the palliative care team work with a patient’s existing doctors?
Our team works closely with our patients’ existing doctors. We act as an extension of their care team, providing specialized support to manage symptoms and enhance comfort. We maintain open communication to ensure patient care is coordinated, seamless and aligned with their overall treatment plan.
What are the emotional and psychological benefits of palliative care?
Living with a serious illness can be emotionally taxing. Palliative care addresses this by providing emotional, spiritual and social support. Research has shown that receiving palliative care early can help ease mental health struggles and improve patients’ overall quality of life.
How does Shiloh Hospice ensure that palliative care aligns with a patient’s personal goals and values?
Your goals and values are at the center of our care. We take the time to listen and understand what is most important to you. Our team helps you explore your treatment options and make decisions that are in line with your wishes, ensuring that your care plan is a true reflection of your preferences.
What happens if a patient’s needs change while receiving palliative care?
As an illness progresses, a patient’s needs may change, and our team is prepared to adapt care plans accordingly. If the condition improves, we can adjust our services. If the illness advances and a cure is no longer the goal, a doctor may recommend transitioning to hospice care for a greater emphasis on comfort. We can support you through any transition.
