PALLIATIVE FAQS |
Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care
Palliative care offers a compassionate approach to managing serious illnesses by focusing on easing symptoms and reducing stress. It aims to make life more comfortable for the patient and their family, enhancing their quality of life together.
Beyond comfort, it also guides patients and their families through understanding different medical treatment choices. Importantly, palliative care is available at any point in a serious illness and can go hand-in-hand with treatments aimed at curing.
Who Qualifies for Palliative Care?
Determining if palliative care is the right choice involves several key factors, starting with the patient’s healthcare goals. If these goals align with a palliative approach, the next step is to consider the patient’s illness and symptoms.
Palliative care is often associated with serious illnesses like heart failure, cancer, dementia, and other neurological conditions, though this list is not exhaustive. Patients are encouraged to discuss all their options, including the possibility of integrating palliative care into their treatment plan, with their healthcare provider.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
While palliative care and hospice care are terms that are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with life-limiting illnesses, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through comprehensive symptom management and psychosocial support. It also emphasizes maximizing community support to ensure that patients and their families receive the care and assistance they need.
Hospice Care
Hospice Care provides compassionate approach designed for individuals with weeks or months to live, encompassing as needed ongoing medical treatment, symptom management, and spiritual support. It also provides home support and psychosocial care, ensuring the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of both patients and their families.
Relief of Symptoms
We prioritize your wishes in every aspect of care. Our medical and support teams work together, communicating openly to ensure you receive the right care and assistance. This team includes you, your personal support system, your primary or specialty providers, and Ancora’s compassionate interdisciplinary team.
We understand that dealing with a serious illness or the side effects of treatment can be stressful. Common symptoms we address include pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, depression, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Does Palliative Care Cost Extra?
If you’re considering palliative care, we understand that financial concerns can be overwhelming. The good news is that palliative care often involves little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Most patients find that Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and most private insurance plans cover the cost of care. For those without insurance, self-pay options are available. Please contact our dedicated intake team to discuss your financial options and find the best solution for your needs.
