Lifestyle Benefits of Palliative Care 10/23/2024 | By Sarah Caesar Serious illnesses can strike at any age, especially in our advanced years. As we navigate the challenges, we are faced with managing the symptoms, coordinating extensive care, and coping with mental pain and stress. Palliative care, an interdisciplinary medical approach, can help address all of these challenges. The benefits of palliative care include mitigating suffering and improve quality of life for both patients and their families. Unlike hospice care, palliative care is not limited to end-of-life scenarios. It’s for anyone suffering from serious illness, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Here are six benefits of palliative care. Holistic symptom management The management of a serious illness can involve the input of multiple health care practitioners, including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, chaplains, and dietitians. A palliative care specialist can help coordinate the work of this interdisciplinary team. Many experts view teamwork as an essential component of palliative care teams. Collaboration and communication ensure that all aspects of the patient’s needs are addressed comprehensively. A cancer patient receiving palliative care, for example, can benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, which, on top of treating the cancer, includes interventions for pain management and the moderation of chemotherapy side effects like nausea and fatigue, leading to improved comfort and daily functioning. Patient-centered care Palliative care recognizes and addresses the unique needs and preferences of each patient. The individual’s unique values, goals, and preferences are thoughtfully considered. The care team fosters open communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure the delivery of optimal treatment and follow-up. Support for families and caregivers Families and caregivers can receive essential support, too, including counseling, respite care, and practical assistance, to help them navigate the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving. A family meeting addresses the illness with both patients and caregivers. This approach effectively prepares caregivers for their role. Enhanced quality of life Palliative care significantly enhances patients’ overall quality of life by focusing on effective symptom relief. When physical and emotional fallout from an illness are managed properly, patients may be able to lead active lives, engage in meaningful activities, and sustain personal relationships. Support across the illness trajectory Patients receiving palliative care are supported throughout their illness, with their changing needs and circumstances carefully considered. For instance, patients with conditions like kidney or liver disease may receive palliative care alongside their ongoing treatments, thereby benefiting from supportive care throughout their illness. In summary, palliative care provides a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing serious illness, emphasizing comfort, quality of life, and support for both patients and their families. It is an essential component of modern healthcare, valued for its flexibility and adaptability in providing continuous care throughout a patient’s illness. More from Seniors Guide: The Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care Read More Sarah Caesar Sarah Caesar is a contributing writer. She writes about the aging brain, mental health, healthy aging, and other topics. During her free time, she enjoys reading, going for long walks, and exploring new places.