Many older adults prefer face-to-face mental health care, and outpatient behavioral health services...
Serious illness affects more than physical health. It can bring uncertainty, stress and difficult decisions for both patients and families.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a medical specialty that focuses on improving quality of life for patients living with serious illness through expert symptom management and comprehensive psychosocial support. Palliative care also assists in complex medical decision making and advanced care planning. It is provided by a specialized team of doctors, nurses, social work and pastoral care. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of serious illness, and can be provided along with curative treatment
How is palliative care different from hospice care?
“Both focus on comfort and quality of life. Palliative care can begin at the start of serious illness and be provided alongside treatments aimed at curing or controlling the disease. We partner with your specialists and often support patients for months or even years during active treatment,“ said Angela Capriotti, M.D., director of the Palliative Medicine Program at Inspira Health. “Hospice care, in contrast, is meant for patients with a limited life expectancy, at end of life or when curative treatment is no longer offered or being pursued. Palliative care can assist in transitions to hospice when appropriate”
Who can benefit from palliative care? When should someone consider palliative care?
Palliative care can be introduced at any point, including at the time of a diagnosis. It is recommended as a standard part of care for many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease or neurological disorders such as dementia or ALS. While palliative care does not treat the disease itself, it aims to address the challenges that come with serious illness. “You may want to ask about palliative care if symptoms are difficult to control, treatment decisions feel overwhelming or hospital visits are becoming more frequent,” said Dr. Capriotti. “Early involvement can improve symptom relief, strengthen communication amongst your care team and help ensure care that supports your values.” Caregivers and family members also benefit from the added guidance and support.
What symptoms can palliative care help manage?
Palliative care teams focus on relieving symptoms from either the disease or treatment that affect everyday life and well-being. These may include:
- Pain
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety or depression related to the disease
- Difficulty sleeping
The team works with your other specialists to adjust medications and develop a plan customized to your needs.
Can I receive palliative care while still pursuing treatment?
Yes. Palliative care works alongside other medical treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis or surgery. “It does not replace your recommended treatment plan and offers another layer of support focused on improving quality of life, understanding of serious illness and care coordination,” said Dr. Capriotti. “Many patients find that better symptom control helps them tolerate their treatment plans more effectively.”
What does a palliative care visit involve?
Palliative care can take place in a hospital, office, or home setting. The team assesses your symptoms, explores your values and considers the challenges that come with your serious illness including mental, emotional, social and spiritual ones. The team may also review medical decision making, treatment goals and advanced care planning.
How can palliative care support my family?
Serious illness affects patients and the people around them. Palliative care teams consider the wellbeing of and offer guidance to caregivers, especially in clarifying medical information, assisting in complex medical decision making and outlining appropriate and goal congruent advanced medical directives.
Palliative care is often involved in times of uncertain health. The team can outline what to expect over time with a serious illness or what life looks like under different care plans.
How do I ask for palliative care?
Talk to your primary care doctor or specialist and ask whether a referral would be appropriate for your care needs. Seeking a referral does not change your diagnosis or limit your treatment options. One resource is palliativedoctors.org, a dedicated website created by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for patients and families.
Palliative care is aimed at helping people live fully with a serious illness by managing the challenges that come with it. It provides a comprehensive layer of a whole person approach to disease management.
