Not long ago someone asked me a question. What is the difference between Hospice Care and Palliative Care. Here is what I found out after some research

Definition: Palliative Care is the medical specialty focused on relief of the pain, stress and other debilitating symptoms of serious illness. Palliative care is not dependent on prognosis and can be delivered at the same time as treatment that is meant to cure you. The goal is to relieve suffering and provide the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

Ensures quality of life - Palliative care is not a one-size fits all approach. Patient have a range of diseases and respond differently to treatment options. A key benefit of palliative care is that is customizes treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient. Palliative care relieves symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It helps patients gain the strength to carry on with daily life. It improves their ability choices for care. Overall, palliative care offers patients the best possible quality of life during their illness Palliative care benefits both patients and their families. Along with symptom management, communication and support for the family are the main goals. The team helps patients and families make medical decisions and choose treatments that are in line with their goals.

Different from Hospice - Palliative Care is NOT the same as hospice care. Palliative care may be provided at any time during a person’s illness, even from the time of diagnosis. And, it may be given at the same time as curative treatment Hospice care always provides palliative care. However, it is focused on terminally ill patients-people who no longer seek treatments to cure them and who are expected to live for about six months or less.

Provided by a experts - Usually a team of experts, including palliative care doctors, nurses and social workers, provide this type of care. Chaplains, massage therapist, pharmacists, nutritionists and others might also be part of the team. Typically, you get non-hospice palliative care in the hospital through a palliative care program. Working in partnership with your primary doctor, the palliative care team provides:

*Expert treatment of pain and other symptoms

*Close, clear communication

*Help navigating the healthcare system

*Guidance with difficult and complex treatment choice

*Detailed practical information and assistance

*Emotional and spiritual support for your family

God Bless,
Diane

If you have any questions relating to health education, please feel free to call me at the church or my home. I will be working 8 hours per week on Thursdays. Office work in the morning and I will do visitation in the afternoon.

Monthly blood pressure checks will be done prior to the Worship Service in the back of the church.

Your Health Ministry Provider, Diane Elton

Thursdays - in office in the mornings & visitation in the afternoons

Contact Diane through the church office