According to the World Health Organization, over 40 million people worldwide find themselves in need of palliative care each year. However, only 14% of the people who need this support actually receive it.
In the U.S., palliative care continues to be a growing solution. However, many people remain unaware that this type of care is an option for their loved ones, or they might be unsure how palliative care can help them.
Let’s take a look at the basics of this type of medical care, as well as the services it includes to help your Minnetonka family through a life-limiting diagnosis.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a supportive medical service designed to help a patient manage their symptoms and pain. This service often comes from a robust team of doctors, nurses, and specialists from near the Minnetonka area.
Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences, they can receive palliative care from within a medical facility or from within the comfort of their own home.
What is the Goal of Palliative Care?
As you might expect, the goal of palliative care is to provide compassionate medical and emotional support for patients with serious illnesses and conditions. In essence, it seeks to improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
In contrast to hospice care, which is intended for patients with a life expectancy of six months or fewer, palliative care can be a form of curative care. It is designed to address the side effects and symptoms of a medical condition and its treatments as a part of a patient’s overall care plan.
It’s worth noting that palliative care can always transition into hospice care if a patient’s condition worsens. This allows the patient to maintain an effective level of support and comfort at the end of their life.
What is Included in Palliative Care?
Each palliative care provider will offer different services, but you can expect to find certain supportive practices with any option.
- Medical support from nurses, physicians, and physical therapists
- Emotional support from professionals such as psychologists and chaplains
- Home or facility-based services, as needed, to treat the individual in comfort
- Care plans designed to alleviate symptoms and the side effects of treatments
- Support with practical issues and day-to-day needs
Consulting with your palliative care provider near Minnetonka can help you understand the medical and therapeutic services your loved one can take advantage of.
Consider Palliative Care for Your Loved One in the Minnetonka Area with Sholom
Now that you know what palliative care is and how it can help your family, it’s time to start the conversation. If your loved one needs additional support to ensure a higher quality of life, palliative care can be the right option.
If you are considering palliative care for someone you love in the Minnetonka area, our team of experienced and compassionate caregivers can offer the support you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about our palliative care services.
