When is palliative care recommended?

Palliative care guidelines
We understand that it can be a difficult time when a loved one is told they need palliative care. You may be feeling a lot of different emotions and be looking for some reassurance about what steps to take next.
If you are looking for specialist palliative care services for your loved one, it’s understandable to have a lot of questions and concerns. We’ve put together this blog to give you some guidance on when palliative care is recommended and some of the benefits that it can provide.
Our experienced team hopes to ease your mind that your loved one will be treated with dignity and compassion during their time at our care home in Surrey.
Keep reading to find out more about what palliative care is and when it might be recommended.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a form of care usually recommended when someone has a life-limiting condition or terminal illness. It provides them with ongoing emotional and physical support during their treatment. Palliative care treatment plans usually involve:
- Emotional support
- Medical support
- Help with managing symptoms
- Assistance with arranging plans for the future or getting equipment
- Providing a good quality of life
- Support for family and loved ones
Exact treatment plans can vary for each patient, based on their individual needs and requirements. Palliative care does not focus on curing the condition or illness, it aims to make the patient feel comfortable and supported.
When is palliative care appropriate?
There are many things to be taken into consideration when deciding if palliative care is the appropriate treatment for someone.
The treatment options available will depend on the type of illness your loved one has. If their condition is not immediately life-threatening, palliative care could be appropriate to help with daily activities and managing medication. After they receive a terminal diagnosis, your loved one can have palliative care at any stage of their condition.
The exact palliative care your loved one receives can also depend on their wishes and expectations. If they have an illness but the side effects from their medication are too much to manage, they may prefer to stop treatment altogether. Whether palliative care is appropriate will be assessed on an individual basis, and guidance will be provided, depending on your loved one’s preferences.
When is palliative care recommended?
A doctor will recommend palliative care to improve the quality of life of your loved one and your family. This can help to relieve any suffering and ensures that your loved one is comfortable and receives the support that they need.
Does palliative care mean you are dying?
No, palliative care is not the same as end-of-life treatment. Palliative care aims to make your loved one as comfortable as possible but doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to die soon. Someone may be recommended palliative care at any point during their illness, which can very much depend on individual circumstances.
What are the benefits of palliative care?
Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, palliative care can be beneficial and provide the assistance that they need. Our nurses will do everything they can to ensure that your loved one is comfortable. When choosing Jackman’s Lodge to provide palliative care services, patients will benefit from freshly cooked meals, a tailored care plan, and experienced nurses. Palliative care provides ongoing support during a life-limiting illness. At our family-run care home, we are proud to be approved by the Gold Standard Framework with an end-of-life accreditation award. To learn more about the advantages of palliative care, please get in touch with our friendly team today.
Specialist palliative care at Jackman’s Lodge
We pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming environment for all of our residents. Our compassionate palliative care services provide your loved one with the treatment they need and deserve during their time with us.
Here at Jackman’s Lodge, our safe care home provides our residents with companionship, freshly cooked meals, and the option to participate in social activities. We understand that each of our palliative care residents will have different needs and abilities, which is why we take the time to establish a personalised care plan.
We hope that this guide has helped you to understand what palliative care is and when it is recommended. If you would like to learn more about the palliative care guidelines and the services we can provide your loved one, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Call our friendly reception team today on 01483 694144. Alternatively, click here to discover more about life at Jackman’s Lodge.