I've Got a Serious Illness- What Now?
WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR AUSTIN
When you or a family member faces a serious illness, the emotional and physical toll can feel overwhelming. The constant worry, endless doctor visits, and relentless pain can erode a person’s sense of peace and joy. However, understanding the differences between Palliative Care and Hospice options can provide clarity and comfort during these challenging times.
The terms "Palliative Care" and "Hospice" are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinctly different approaches to care.
Palliative Care is specialized medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of a severe illness, regardless of the diagnosis. Its goal is to improve the patient's and family's quality of life.
Palliative Care may be used while receiving treatment for serious illnesses.
Overseen by a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
Works with patient's Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Hospice care, on the other hand, is designed for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. Hospice provides comprehensive comfort care instead of curative treatment, emphasizing pain management and emotional support.
Hospice has its own care team.
Doctor, Nurse, Social Worker, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Chaplain, and volunteers
Hospice generally pays for all end-of-life treatment regarding the patient's illness.
This may include personal care supplies, medications, and equipment.
A serious illness can strip away joy from everyday moments. Patients may feel overwhelmed by pain & fatigue while family members grapple with feelings of helplessness and despair. The relentless nature of the illness can create a heavy emotional burden, affecting relationships & the overall well-being of everyone involved.
How Palliative Care Provides Relief
At Your Health, we believe in the power of compassionate, patient-centered care. Your Health Palliative Care offers various services to patients seeking aggressive and non-aggressive treatment. Our providers train through an extensive Palliative Care program, and we employ providers who commit themselves to the full-time practice of Palliative Care. Overseen by a board-certified Palliative Care Physician and staff of Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners, our program can bring a supportive palliative assessment that will result in a treatment plan for the patient's Primary Care Provider.
*Our Palliative Providers make assessments in doctors' offices, hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and patients' private homes.
Consider the story of Mr. Johnson, a 68-year-old patient living with advanced heart disease. The constant pain and breathlessness left him feeling hopeless. With Palliative Care from Your Health, he found relief through personalized pain management and emotional support. The team's unwavering dedication restored Mr. Johnson’s sense of comfort and hope, transforming his outlook on life.
The Role of Hospice in End-of-Life Care
When a patient's illness progresses to the point where curative treatment is no longer effective, hospice care offers a compassionate alternative. Hospice focuses on making the patient's remaining time as comfortable and meaningful as possible. This includes pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance for families during this difficult time.
Finding Comfort and Support
The positive impact of Palliative and Hospice Care extends beyond physical relief. For many patients and families, these services restore peace and dignity. After receiving Palliative Care, Mr. Johnson experienced a significant reduction in pain and an increase in his overall well-being, bringing back his smile and energy. Similarly, another patient’s family found solace in the compassionate care provided by hospice, easing their emotional burden and allowing them to cherish their final moments with her.
Palliative Care and Hospice are crucial in providing comfort and support during severe illness and end-of-life stages. At Your Health, our dedicated teams are committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families, addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.
If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of a serious illness, please get in touch with Your Health. Our compassionate teams are here to support you every step of the way.
*Patient names and specific details have been altered to protect privacy while sharing these success stories. Our goal is to provide accessible information to help you make informed decisions about your health.