Who Benefits Most From Palliative Care?

Living with a serious illness is one of the most challenging journeys a person can face. Between constant doctor appointments, complex medical terms and grueling physical symptoms, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what the right next step is. You might have heard the term “palliative care” tossed around but felt unsure if it applied to your specific situation. What is it, and could it be beneficial for you?

At Shiloh Hospice, we believe in making every moment count for our patients and their families. This includes helping you understand the options available to help you live your life to the fullest. Let’s look at what palliative care is, who it’s for and how it could help as part of your care plan.

What Exactly Is Palliative Care?

Many people confuse palliative care with hospice, yet they are distinct services with unique goals. Palliative care is specialized, whole-person medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is not necessarily to cure the disease but to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

At Shiloh Hospice, our dedicated team of doctors, nurses and other specialists work together to:

• Relieve physical distress and symptoms like nausea or pain
• Help you better understand your specific diagnosis
• Clarify treatment goals and medical options
• Support your emotional and spiritual ability to cope

In short, palliative care acts as an extra layer of support that comes alongside your curative treatment to improve your overall experience.

Who Is Palliative Care For?

This type of care is not limited to one specific condition or age group. It is designed for anyone living with a serious illness who needs extra support managing their symptoms.

Patients who often benefit most include those diagnosed with:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Lung disease and COPD
• Kidney disease
• Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing a condition for years, palliative care can provide significant relief by addressing the whole person rather than just the disease.

When Is Palliative Support Most Beneficial?

There is a common misconception that you must wait until the very end of life to receive palliative care. In reality, this kind of care is beneficial at any stage of a serious illness. You can even receive it while undergoing treatments meant to cure you, such as chemotherapy or surgery.

You should consider seeking palliative care if:

• Your symptoms interfere with your ability to enjoy daily activities
• You feel overwhelmed by complex medical decisions
• You need help matching your treatment choices to your personal goals
• Your family caregivers are experiencing burnout or stress

Integrating this care early in your diagnosis may even lead to better outcomes. Early access allows the care team to establish a relationship with you, understand your values and start managing symptoms before they become unmanageable.

Let Us Help You on Your Care Journey

Navigating significant medical decisions requires support, clarity and compassion. If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, you do not have to walk this path alone. Palliative care offers a way to manage symptoms and reduce stress so you can focus on the moments that matter most.

The team at Shiloh Hospice is here to guide you through these decisions with dignity and respect. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help support your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.