While curative care focuses on restoring seniors to good health, palliative care programs seek to boost quality of life for older adults with chronic diseases and those who are terminally ill. The goal of palliative care is not only to alleviate pain, address symptoms, and increase comfort but also to help seniors and family members better handle the challenges they face every day.
What Does Palliative Care Include?
In addition to treating chronic physical problems, palliative care addresses the social, emotional, and spiritual issues that arise when an aging adult has a serious illness. Treatments can include counseling, support groups, and therapy for family members as well as for the senior. Information about practical problems like finances, insurance, and living wills is often offered as well.
A professional home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for your whole family. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
Although both hospice care and palliative care can enhance a loved one’s quality of life, there are significant differences between the two. Hospice care is usually provided during the last few months of life, often as a replacement for curative care. Palliative care can be provided at the same time as traditional care, and it can continue for many years. Palliative care also provides services to family members and caregivers as well as seniors.
When researching agencies that provide senior home care, Montgomery, AL, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Who Delivers Palliative Care?
Traditional care teams often include professionals who specialize in different aspects of palliative care, such as nutrition, mental health, and massage therapy. Some home care agencies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities offer palliative care.
In-home care includes a broad array of palliative services, including encouraging good nutrition, providing companionship, and offering emotional support. Ensuring family caregivers have the time off they need to regroup and recharge is another important aspect of palliative care. No single person can provide care around the clock, and a professional caregiver may be required to ensure total care.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Montgomery seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (334) 593-3988 today.