As the loved one of someone who is terminally ill, you are likely facing a lot of difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right type of care for your loved one. While hospice care is often the first choice that comes to mind, Melbourne Palliative Care should also be considered.
Here are five reasons to consider palliative care for your loved one.
1. Palliative care is not the same as hospice care
While palliative care and hospice care are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Hospice care is for people who are nearing the end of their life and is focused on providing comfort and support in the final weeks or months. Palliative care, on the other hand, is a type of care that can be given at any stage of a serious illness and focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Melbourne Palliative Care can be given in addition to other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or it can be used to provide end-of-life care.
2. Palliative care can be given alongside curative treatment
One of the benefits of palliative care is that it can be given in addition to other treatments. For some people, palliative care provides an extra level of support and care that can make all the difference. Palliative care teams are experts in managing symptoms and helping people and their families make the most of their remaining time together.
3. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness
Contrary to popular belief, palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness. In fact, it’s often most helpful in the earlier stages, when it can be used to manage pain and other symptoms. However, palliative care can also be beneficial in the later stages of an illness when patients are facing difficult decisions about their care. Melbourne Palliative Care teams are experts in managing all kinds of symptoms, and they can provide invaluable support to patients and their families.
4. Palliative care focuses on quality of life
One of the most important aspects of palliative care is that it focuses on the quality of life of the person receiving care. This means that the goal isn’t to cure the person but rather to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. Palliative care can be helpful for people who are struggling with a terminal illness, but it can also be useful for people who are living with a chronic condition. It’s about giving patients control over their own lives and empowering them to make choices that will make them happy.
5. Palliative care can be provided in many settings
Palliative care can be provided in many settings, including in the home, in a hospital or hospice, or in a long-term care facility. It’s important to work with your loved one’s doctor to determine the best setting for them. You may also want to consult with a palliative care specialist to get their expert opinion on what would be the best course of care for your loved one.
To conclude,
If you are caring for a loved one who is living with a serious illness, it is important to learn about all of your care options. Melbourne Palliative Care provides comfort and support to people living with a serious illness and their families and can be provided at any stage of the illness. If you are considering palliative care for your loved one, the above listed five reasons are why it may be the right choice for them.
