There’s no easy way to approach the end of someone’s life. For families, coming to terms with the passing of a loved one is one of the most difficult things they can do. However, in Southeast and Southwest Houston, families don’t have to navigate end-of-life and palliative care alone. BrightStar Care is here to be a helping hand as you work through this challenging time. Our caregivers offer more than just medical assistance—they can be pivotal in providing emotional support as well. Learn more about palliative care and what it means for you, your loved one, and the rest of your family.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Unlike traditional treatments aimed at curing the disease, the goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This form of care can be provided alongside curative treatment and is suitable at any stage of a serious illness.
The Components of End-of-Life Care
Proper end-of-life care involves several different components, all working together to ensure your loved one is as comfortable as possible. Expect the following from our palliative care professionals:
- Symptom Management—Effective symptom management is crucial for the patient’s comfort and overall well-being. Palliative care is designed to manage a wide range of symptoms associated with serious illnesses, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Emotional and Psychological Support—A serious illness affects more than just the body—it takes a toll on emotional and psychological health as well. Palliative care teams offer counseling, support groups, and other resources to help families cope with the emotional challenges of illness and end-of-life issues.
- Spiritual Care—For many, spirituality plays a significant role in coping with serious illness. Chaplains and spiritual advisors may work as part of the care team to provide comfort and address existential questions that may arise.
- Coordination With Other Healthcare Providers—Palliative care teams work closely with the client’s other healthcare providers to ensure a cohesive approach to treatment. This coordination helps manage transitions between different levels of care and ensures your loved one’s comprehensive needs are met.
When to Consider Palliative Care
Many people assume that palliative care is only for those at the end of life, but it’s beneficial at any stage of a severe illness. Early integration of palliative care can help manage symptoms more effectively and provide emotional and psychological support. If your loved one is experiencing uncontrolled symptoms or significant emotional distress due to a serious illness, it may be time to consider palliative care. Other reasons to choose palliative care include:
- You can no longer meet your loved one’s emotional and medical needs alone.
- You’re having a hard time with medication management.
- There are gaps in communication among your loved one’s healthcare providers.
Is Palliative Care the Same as Hospice?
While palliative care and hospice are often related, they aren’t the same thing. Choosing palliative care doesn’t always mean your loved one only has days to live. Hospice and palliative care both aim to provide comfort, but hospice is only for those in the final stages of life when curative treatments are no longer an option. Palliative care, on the other hand, can be provided at any stage of illness and may coexist with curative treatments. The BrightStar Care team can help you better understand the differences between end-of-life care, palliative care, and hospice.
Connect With BrightStar Care Today
No one wants to think about palliative care or the end of a loved one’s life. Nevertheless, it’s important to have plans in place when the time comes. For Southeast and Southwest Houston, TX families, they need only look to BrightStar Care. We proudly provide the highest standard of in-home care, setting the bar for caregivers in our area. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.