Palliative care is often confused with hospice or end-of-life care. While palliative care may be part of these approaches, it is also its type of treatment. The goal of palliative services is to improve quality of life for patients with serious or chronic conditions.
Here are just a few of the ways palliative care providers do exactly that:
Relief of Pain
Pain is one of the biggest complaints from patients dealing with severe, incurable conditions such as cancer, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and more. This means that pain management is one of the most important aspects of palliative care. Palliative services in Macon, GA typically include pain medication, as well as alternative treatments such as physical therapy or other approaches to help manage and relieve pain.
Relief of Other Symptoms
There are many other symptoms that patients with chronic or severe conditions might suffer from. These might be caused by other medications or treatment approaches, or the condition itself. Regardless, relieving these symptoms is an important element of palliative care. Symptoms such as nausea, sleep issues, and skin concerns are just some of the complications that might be addressed during palliative care.
Emotional and Mental Health Support
Serious health concerns can cause stress on more than just the body. They can also create mental and emotional health issues. These concerns can severely impact quality of life. Support for patients through palliative care may include mental health counseling, medication, and support groups. All these approaches work together to improve the emotional well-being of the patient so they can live their best possible life throughout treatment.
Spiritual and Cultural Support
Dealing with a severe illness or medical condition can also create problems adhering to religious or cultural traditions. These traditions are very important to many people, which means missing out on them can decrease quality of life. Palliative services in Macon, GA provide support for all aspects of physical and mental health, including spiritual and cultural well-being. Providing access to and support for these traditions and practices is just one more way that palliative care improves quality of life during treatment. For more detais, visit Hospice Care Options.
