Many Americans are left to die in hospitals and nursing homes that provide care inconsistent with their wishes. Senior citizens should plan and inform their doctors, caregivers, and family about their end-of-life preferences. Chicago Palliative Care gives excellent care for our senior citizens. If an older person wishes to die at home and receive end-of-life treatment for pain and other symptoms, it’s less likely that they will be admitted to a hospital and get unwanted medicines.

A caregiver or a family member might have to make the final decisions if the person cannot make their own health care decisions. When deciding on end-of-life care for an older person, caregivers should consider several factors, such as the individual’s desire to continue with life-extending therapies, the length of time they have left, and the best setting to provide care.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care provides specialized medical care to patients with serious illnesses such as heart disease or cancer. Palliative care patients may be provided with medical care to manage their symptoms or palliative treatment to cure their serious condition.

If the doctor or palliative team feels that continuing treatment is not working, there are two options. Palliative care can be switched to hospice care if the doctor believes the patient will die within six months.

Who Can Benefit From Palliative Care?

Palliative care can be a valuable resource for those suffering from serious illnesses such as heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other severe conditions. Palliative care is available at any stage of illness. It is recommended that palliative care be provided as soon as possible after the diagnosis. Palliative care is designed to improve a person’s quality of life by focusing on their current care. Palliative care is a way for patients to understand their options and improve their quality of life. Palliative care can provide organized services that may prove helpful for older people who are suffering from a severe disability or general discomfort.

Who Makes up the Palliative Care Team?

A palliative care team comprises multiple professionals that work with the patient, family, and the patient’s other doctors to provide medical, social, emotional, and practical support. This team includes palliative care specialists, doctors, and nurses. It also includes other professionals such as social workers and nutritionists. The team of care for a person may differ depending on their level of care and needs. A person’s doctor may refer them to a specialist in palliative medicine to begin palliative treatment. The person may ask their health care provider to guide them if they do not suggest it.

Where Is Palliative Care Provided?

Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including at home, in hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient palliative clinics. Palliative care may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance policies. The Department of Veterans Affairs may offer palliative care to eligible veterans. Private health insurance may cover some services. Private health insurance may not cover certain services.

Sometimes palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments. Once the diagnosis has been made, it can be started immediately. If the doctor or palliative team feels that continuing treatment is not working, there are two options. Palliative care can be switched to hospice care if the doctor believes the patient will die within six months. The palliative team could also continue to provide comfort care, with an increasing emphasis on it.