When most people think of palliative care, they think of end-of-life care for patients with terminal illnesses. More specifically, palliative care actually invokes a five stage process used to help any patient who is dealing with a life-threatening illness. Each stage is important, and each one requires careful thought and planning. The main goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
What is Palliative Care
Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms of a serious illness, rather than trying to cure the illness itself. It can be used to treat patients of any age, with any type of serious illness. It is not a substitute for active treatment, but rather, it is used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as curative or life-prolonging treatments.
It aims to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. It also helps the patient to better tolerate active treatments and helps to provide support for the psychological impact of the illness.
Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and others. The team works together to develop a care plan that meets the specific needs of the patient and their family.
What Diseases Can Be Treated by Palliative Care
Palliative care can be used to treat patients with any life-threatening illness. The majority of adults in need of palliative care have chronic diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases (38.5%)
- Cancer (34%)
- Chronic respiratory diseases (10.3%)
- AIDS (5.7%)
- Diabetes (4.6%)
In addition, many other conditions may require palliative care, including kidney failure, chronic liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disease, dementia, congenital anomalies and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Source: World Health Organization
Where is Palliative Care Provided
Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including the home, the hospital, long-term care facilities, hospices and even in some workplaces.
The location will be determined by the needs of the patient and their family. In some cases, it may be possible for the patient to receive care in their own home. In other cases, they may need to be hospitalized or admitted to a long-term care facility.
The Five Stages of Palliative Care
The five stages are:
Stage 1: Stable – Developing and Implementing the Care Plan
The first stage is known as the “stable” stage. This is when the patient has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and the healthcare team is working to develop a care plan. The goal at this stage is to help the patient to cope with the diagnosis and to begin to make decisions about their care.
Stage 2: Unstable – Preparing Emotionally
The second stage is known as the “unstable” stage. This is when the patient’s condition begins to worsen and they may require more aggressive treatment. The goal at this stage is to help the patient and their family to adjust to the changes in the patient’s condition and to begin to prepare emotionally for what lies ahead.
Stage 3: Deteriorating – Worsening Symptoms
The third stage is known as the “deteriorating” stage. This is when the patient’s condition begins to rapidly decline and they are no longer responding to active treatment. The goal at this stage is to help the patient and their family to come to terms with the impending death and to make decisions about end-of-life care.
Stage 4: Terminal – Immanent Death
The fourth stage is known as the “terminal” stage. This is when the patient has stopped responding to active treatment and their death is imminent. The goal at this stage is to provide symptom management and emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family.
Stage 5: Bereavement – Support for Family Members
The fifth stage is known as the “bereavement” stage. This is when the patient has died and the family is grieving. The goal at this stage is to provide support for the family members as they adjust to their loss.
How to know when it’s time for palliative care
There is no single answer to this question as it is different for every patient and their family. Generally, it is appropriate to consider palliative care when a serious illness is diagnosed, or when the goals of treatment change from cure to comfort.
It is important to have an open discussion with your healthcare team about your goals for care. This can help you to decide if it is right for you.
What to expect during palliative care
Throughout the course of the illness, there will likely be many appointments with the healthcare team. These appointments will be used to monitor symptoms and how well the patient is tolerating treatment.
As the focus is on symptom management, it may include the use of medications, changes in diet, and other interventions. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family. Psychological support will also be available to help deal with the emotional impact of the illness.
You should also expect the healthcare team to provide support for the family members and caregivers themselves. This may include respite care, counselling, and other services.
How to provide support for a loved one who is receiving palliative care
If you have a loved one who is receiving palliative care, there are a few things you can do to help. First, it is important to be supportive and understanding. It can be difficult to watch a loved one suffer, but it is important to remember that the goal is to improve the quality of life, not to cure the illness.
Second, you can help by providing practical support. This may include helping with tasks around the house, such as cooking or cleaning. You can also help by providing transportation to appointments or treatments.
Finally, you can provide emotional support. This may include simply being there to listen, or it may involve more active forms of support, such as attending counseling sessions together.
Palliative care is an important part of managing a serious illness. It is important to have an open discussion with your healthcare team about your goals for care. If it is right for you, the team will develop a care plan that meets your specific needs. It is also important to have support from loved ones throughout the process.
Conclusion
Palliative care is a vital part of the healing process for any patient who is dealing with a life-threatening illness. The five stages of palliative care provide a roadmap for caregivers and patients alike, ensuring that everyone involved understands what to expect and how to best support the patient. If you or someone you love is facing a life-threatening illness, it is important to understand how to access it. With the help of a skilled and compassionate team of healthcare professionals, palliative care can improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family