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Palliative Care – No One Should Live in Pain
Living in the ever-improving world of medical
science means no one should suffer through pain associated with a chronic or
life-threatening illness. Palliative care is structured to improve the quality
of life of patients and their families through prevention and relief of pain.
Often misunderstood, palliative care is available to people of all ages, at any
stage of a serious illness, who are seeking relief from pain and ongoing symptoms.
A multidisciplinary approach is put in place, which offers access to a
multitude of family and community resources including:
·
Relief from chronic pain
·
A professional support system for the patient and
family
·
Counsel to help everyone understand that death and
dying are indeed part of life
·
Life quality enhancement that influences the course
of the illness
·
Early intervention to help prolong life
·
Management of clinical complications
·
Bereavement counseling
One misnomer is that palliative care means death;
that is not the case. The central purpose for this treatment option is to help
alleviate or minimize pain in someone enduring a chronic pain causing condition.
Hospice and palliative care offer comfort and relief, but are really quite
different. People in hospice programs generally have 6 months or less to live.
Family, professional caregivers, doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors
and clergy help with the grief of dying. Both care programs offer medications to
ease the pain.
There is no reason to go it alone. Illinois has
many excellent resources available. If you need assistance finding resources Elderwerks
can help. Call us at 855-462-0100
and your personal Senior Advisor will assist you.