Palliative Care: The bridge between treatment and comfort

When faced with a life-threatening diagnosis, the decision between enduring treatment or opting for hospice care can seem daunting. However, there’s a crucial option often overlooked in healthcare: palliative care.

Palliative (pal-lee-uh-tiv) care, aimed at improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms and stress associated with serious illness, serves as a bridge between treatment and comfort. It begins when you are diagnosed with a chronic illness and experiencing related symptoms, offering relief from discomfort while undergoing treatment.

Palliative Care is Not Hospice Care

Unlike hospice care, palliative care isn’t limited to end-of-life scenarios. It can be provided at any stage of illness and can serve to help relieve disease-related symptoms for many years.

Palliative Care Is Provided Wherever You Call Home

Administered by a team including medical professionals and social workers, it’s often conducted in the patient’s home, ensuring holistic and personalized care. In-home appointments also eliminate the burden of traveling and sitting in waiting rooms.

This collaborative approach involves healthcare providers and family members in developing a tailored care plan, offering support, education and practical assistance. From managing symptoms to navigating medical appointments, the palliative care team addresses various needs, relieving the burden on caregivers and promoting overall well-being.

Palliative Care is Available at No Cost

Crucially, palliative care is accessible regardless of financial circumstances. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or donations from the Heartlinks community. Patients can initiate palliative care themselves or through referrals, empowering them to prioritize their comfort and quality of life.

Heartlinks Palliative Care, provided at no cost, exemplifies this commitment to accessible care. Supported by community donors, it ensures that patients and families receive comprehensive support without financial strain.

Because Life is for Living

Ultimately, palliative care emphasizes living life to the fullest, offering relief, comfort, and support throughout the journey of serious illness. For those considering palliative care or wishing to make a referral, Heartlinks provides a compassionate and accessible resource for navigating this important aspect of healthcare. Call (509) 837-1676 or contact us for more information about palliative care.