How Palliative Care Supports Patients With Chronic Illness
Living with chronic diseases can be physically and emotionally challenging. This will affect the patient and their loved ones. From heart diseases to cancer, chronic respiratory problems or neurological disorders, such long-term diseases come with ongoing symptoms affecting daily living. This is when palliative care supports are required, providing a kind approach focusing on comfort, dignity and quality of life.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a special form of medical treatment designed for people living with severe, chronic diseases. Unlike treatments intended to cure the disease, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, dealing with pain and providing emotional and psychological assistance. It works with other medical aids to improve a patient’s general well-being.
What Support Does Palliative Care Offer To Patients?
Chronic diseases often come with a wide range of symptoms, such as excessive pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and more. Palliative care supports patients by providing patient-specific symptom control plans. These may include medicines, therapies or lifestyle changes aimed to reduce discomfort and improve the physical wellness of patients. Trusted healthcare professionals will work together to meet each patient’s unique needs and offer necessary mental and physical support. If you are affected by advanced heart diseases, palliative care support can help handle your shortness of breath, while a cancer patient can be supported through pain relief strategies.
The following are offered under palliative care:
Emotional And Psychological Support
Chronic diseases not only affect the physical body, but they can also profoundly affect your mental health. Emotions of depression, anxiety, and helplessness are common. Palliative care emotionally supports patients by offering counselling, mental health resources, and simply being a listening ear. The support is also offered to families, which helps them cope with the stress and emotional burden of caregiving. Regular meetings, emotional check-ins and even spiritual support are part of comprehensive palliative care.
Supports Independence And Dignity
A notable advantage of palliative care is the intention to offer independence. Patients are encouraged to participate in decisions about their care, allowing them to maintain control of their lives. Whether they stay at care homes in Essex or their residence, they aim to promote dignity, comfort and choices. In trusted care homes, exceptionally trained employees ensure that palliative care is integrated into daily routines. This indicates that patients with chronic diseases receive constant and compassionate care according to their situation.
A Holistic Approach To Care
Unlike traditional medications that often focus on the disease entirely, palliative care supports the whole person. This involves addressing social problems, such as supporting patients with loved ones or providing help with practical jobs, such as transport or finances.
Final Thoughts
Living with chronic diseases can be challenging. However, with the proper support and care, it can make a world of difference. Palliative care supports patients by making symptoms easier, providing emotional care and promoting dignity and freedom. Its holistic approach also intends to support patients in enjoying themselves comfortably and in mental peace.
