Why Do Doctors Recommend Palliative Care?

Palliative care is an essential service provided to patients with serious illnesses, aiming to enhance their overall quality of life during treatment.

This article explores the significance of palliative care and sheds light on the circumstances in which doctors are most inclined to recommend this invaluable service.

 

Palliative Care

When facing a serious illness, patients often work closely with their healthcare providers, seeking either a cure or effective symptom management to prolong their life.

Palliative care is often provided to these patients as a comfort measure to help relieve the side effects that often come with the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. While many conditions fall into this category, doctors will often recommend palliative care to those diagnosed with:

 
  • Advanced cancer
  • Dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Advanced heart disease
 

A comprehensive palliative care team typically includes a number of professionals, including nurses, social workers and psychologists.

Working in collaboration with the patient and their loved ones, the team will develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with the goals and needs of both the individual and their family members. Each plan is meticulously designed to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and fear commonly experienced by those grappling with a serious illness.

 

At What Stage Is Palliative Care Offered?

Palliative care is not restricted to a specific stage of diagnosis; it can commence at any point. There’s no need to wait until your illness progresses to an advanced stage or until the final months of life. If coping with symptoms and side effects becomes challenging for either yourself or your caregiver, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or care provider for assistance.

Starting palliative care as early as possible holds numerous benefits. Beyond medical interventions, palliative-style care effectively addresses the anxiety, fatigue and pain that often accompany the beginning stages of treatment.

At Willow Grange, our palliative care team has a deep understanding of the challenges you may encounter when coming to terms with a diagnosis. We strive to provide support not just to patients, but also their families and loved ones throughout this challenging time. To find out more about what palliative care involves at our reputable nursing home in London, please get in touch.

 

Why Is Palliative Care Important?

The importance of palliative care cannot be emphasised enough. With professional support, individuals can enhance their quality of life, transforming each day into a more positive and meaningful experience. It also allows people to spend quality time with their family and friends during this difficult time, creating lasting memories.

Further reasons highlighting the importance of palliative care include:

  • Improved Quality Of Life
    Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life of individuals facing serious illnesses, addressing physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
  • Symptom Management
    Specialist care providers are trained to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. By effectively managing these symptoms, patients can experience increased levels of comfort.
  • Support For Families
    Being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness affects not only the patient but also their family. Palliative care provides support to both patients and their loved ones, helping them navigate difficult decisions, cope with emotional stress and plan for the future.
  • Patient-Centred Care
    Centred around the needs and preferences of patients and their families, this type of care is designed to respect the values and beliefs of the individual.
  • Enhanced Dignity And Respect
    Regardless of their condition, palliative care places an emphasis on upholding the dignity of the individual. It is dedicated to delivering care that not only respects the patient’s autonomy in decision-making, but also safeguards their dignity and supports their sense of self-worth.
 

How To Explain Palliative Care To An Elderly Family Member

At Willow Grange, we recognise that broaching the subject of palliative care with an elderly relative can be difficult. We encourage family members to initiate the conversation by expressing genuine concern for the well-being of the individual. Let them know that your top priority is ensuring they receive the highest quality care possible.

Emphasise that this type of care is all about ensuring comfort and support, assisting individuals in managing symptoms and side effects. Stress that they will actively participate in care decisions, and their values and wishes will be honoured every step of the way.

If the topic arises, clarify the distinction between palliative and end-of-life care. While end-of-life care is a specialised form of palliative care intended for people with terminal illnesses, palliative care can be initiated at any stage.

Approaching the subject with empathy, clarity, and reassurance can help to ease any apprehension or uncertainty they may have. This ensures your loved one has access to the support they need as quickly as possible.

 

Choose Willow Grange

At Willow Grange, we know no one looks forward to choosing a care home for their loved one. Our compassionate team is here to alleviate your worries and ensure your family member receives the comprehensive support required to uphold their quality of life. Providing everything from effective pain management to wholesome meals and meaningful companionship, we pride ourselves on our outstanding levels of care.

For more information on our palliative care services, please get in touch. Call us on 020 8399 8948 and one of our compassionate team members will be happy to provide further details.