Up until recently, I (and many others) thought that palliative care was only for the dying. I also thought that it was only for larger doses of narcotics, but it is a lot more than that! It can absolutely contain that, but you can be in palliative care and still treat your condition(s).

Palliative care focuses on easing symptoms like pain and nausea. They also can provide you and your family with extra support, including emotional and spiritual support if you're struggling with the mental toll of everything. Many providers are able to make home or telehealth to cut down on the amount of (often difficult) trips to a clinic or hospital. A relatives's provider will go to their house to collect samples for the lab or take simple x-rays.

Put simply, it's there to make the quality of life of someone with a serious illness or condition the best it can be!

Who qualifies?

Patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses and conditions. Those who are receiving treatment, such as chemotherapy, are still eligible. It can be for an acquired or lifelong condition as well.

Some conditions that can qualify you for palliative care:

• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)

• MS (multiple sclerosis)

• Lupus

• Cancer

• Dementia

• HIV/AIDS

• Pulmonary fibrosis

What do they do?

Aside from easing symptoms, like pain and nausea, they often have a team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and more that work with your existing medical team. A big focus is easing the stress of living with a serious condition.

The 7 C's are:

• Communication

• Coordination

• Compassion

• Collaboration

• Continuity of care

• Continued learning

• Care in the dying process

The sum of these principles equals a long term increase in the quality of life of a patient with a more holistic, individualized approach to their care. Care is also extended to their families.

Where?

Palliative care is often given in the home, but may be given at a care facility, hospital, or elsewhere.

When?

As previously stated, palliative care is not hospice. It certainly can be given in tandem with hospice, but can be utilized at the beginning of a diagnosis of a serious illness. I also believed palliative care was for those in hospice up until recently. Hospice is end of life care; palliative care is quality of life.

Fast Facts

• The need for palliative care is expected to grow

• Palliative care can reduce the need for hospitalization

• Restrictive public health policies prevent many from getting adequate care

• Palliative care may reduce staff burden in hospitals and care facilities

• Most who receive it report significant improvements in their quality of life and would recommend it

• It may even save up to $6 billion in hospital costs!

• An estimated 400,000 children in the US are eligible for palliative care