Although most medical care aims at curing patients, there are times when treatments are primarily designed to improve a quality of life. This approach, commonly known as palliative care, has become very common since the 1990’s. Businesses like Serenity Palliative Care are often closely linked to hospice services. But unlike hospice, they serve not only terminally ill patients but also those with a wide range of chronic problems.
Palliative Care Benefits Many Conditions
Services like Serenity Palliative Care help patients of any age and with a wide variety of health problems. Although some patients are terminal, many suffer from conditions that last for years. Palliative services benefit those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes and heart disease. It helps cancer patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy and is recommended for those in kidney failure. Some patients continue receiving medical treatments, along with palliative care.
The Goal Is Quality of Life
Professionals offering palliative care focus on relieving patients’ physical pain as well as emotional and mental distress. They evaluate patients and help them control or overcome issues such as depression, fatigue and sleeplessness. Teams of experts coordinate with primary caregivers and design plans that provide support in needed areas. Patients may be offered medication, relaxation techniques or massages, Caregivers routinely provide services at their own facilities, nursing homes, assisted living communities or in patients’ homes.
Services Help Families and Caregivers
Part of palliative care is helping family caregivers. Professionals can educate relatives about patients’ diseases and care. Caregivers are offered help accessing and using community resources. Palliative care teams provide emotional and spiritual support to family members and help them understand the symptoms and stages of health conditions. Specialists can prepare them for changes such as the need for hospitalization or a move to hospice care. Nurses, social workers and palliative care doctors can also help family members deal with the ongoing stress of care giving.
Patients with long-term health conditions often benefit from palliative care. The professionals who offer this specialized service focus on improving patients’ quality of life and relieving symptoms. They also support family members and at-home caregivers. Visit website for further details.
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