When faced with a life-limiting illness, the goal is often to find comfort, dignity, and peace. Palliative care is designed to provide this by focusing on the overall well-being of those in need and their families. This type of care is not limited to the final weeks or days; it can be offered over several months or even years, depending on individual needs.
Key elements of palliative care include:
Comfort and Symptom Management
Ensuring the individual is as comfortable as possible.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Addressing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.
Family Involvement
Ensuring that loved ones are part of the care process, creating space for meaningful connections.
Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care?
Palliative care isn’t just for the final moments of life. It’s available for anyone with a serious, life-limiting illness who seeks to improve their quality of life. Whether it’s managing pain, reducing stress, or offering emotional support, palliative care is there for both the individual and their family.
Conditions that may benefit from palliative care include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Neurological disorders
- And other serious illnesses
Types of Palliative Care Available
Recognising that every situation is unique, Private Care NZ offer a range of palliative care options tailored to meet varying needs:
- An hour or two a day: For families needing help with specific tasks or at key times.
- Respite Care: Giving primary caregivers a much-needed break, knowing their loved one is in good hands.
- Sleepover or night care: A carer is available throughout the night to assist with tasks like toileting, getting in and out of bed, and medication management.
- 24/7 care: For those who require constant attention, our team is ready to provide round-the-clock care.
The Palliative Care Process
The journey often begins with a simple phone call. When you reach out, our team listens carefully to understand the needs of both the individual requiring care and their family. From there, we craft a personalised care plan that respects the preferences and unique circumstances of each family.
Steps in the palliative care process:
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your needs and the best care options.
- Care Plan Development: Our experts create a customised plan and select the right care professionals for you.
- Implementation: We move quickly, often setting up care within a day, to ensure that every moment counts.
- Ongoing Support: Our care is continuously adjusted to meet the evolving needs of the individual and family.
Your Palliative Care Team
The quality of care your loved one receives during this time can make a significant difference. That’s why our team is composed of compassionate, highly-trained specialists who are dedicated to providing the best care possible. We carefully match carers with the specific needs and preferences of each family, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience.
Ways Palliative Care Can Help
Palliative care offers more than just medical support; it provides a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of a person’s wellbeing. Here’s how it can help:
- Physical Comfort: Managing symptoms like pain, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Helping individuals and their families navigate the emotional challenges of a life-limiting illness.
- Social Support: Creating opportunities for meaningful interactions with loved ones, helping to strengthen family bonds.
- Spiritual Care: Addressing the spiritual needs of those who seek a sense of peace during this time.
Emotional and Psychological Support in Palliative Care
Dealing with a life-limiting condition can be emotionally overwhelming. Palliative care provides more than just physical relief; it also offers crucial support to help manage anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Our team is here to ensure that both the individual and their family receive the emotional and psychological care they need.
Palliative Care and Family Involvement
We understand that palliative care is not just about the individual; it’s about the entire family. Our approach includes family members in the care process, ensuring that everyone involved feels supported and informed. This involvement helps create an environment where loved ones can focus on what matters most – spending meaningful time together.
Palliative Care vs Hospice: What’s the Difference?
It’s a common mistake to confuse palliative care with hospice care, but they are distinct services:
- Palliative Care: Can begin at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
- Hospice Care: Focuses on comfort and quality of life during the final stages of a terminal illness when curative treatments are no longer pursued.
Being aware of the difference helps families make informed decisions about the best care options for their loved ones.
Common Myths About Palliative Care
There are many misconceptions about palliative care. Let’s clarify a couple common myths:
- Myth 1: Palliative care is only for the last days of life.
- Fact: Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a life-limiting illness.
- Myth 2: It’s the same as hospice care.
- Fact: While similar, hospice care is specifically for those nearing the end of life, whereas palliative care can be provided earlier.
How to Get Palliative Care
If you’re considering palliative care services for a loved one, the first step is to reach out. The Private Care NZ team is here to guide you through the process, from the initial consultation to the development and implementation of a care plan tailored to your needs.
FAQs on Palliative Care
The team at Private Care NZ understands that you may have many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about palliative care:
How does palliative care differ from regular medical care?
Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curing an illness.
Can palliative care be provided at home?
Yes, many people choose to receive palliative care in the comfort of their own home.
Is palliative care only for the elderly?
No, palliative care is for anyone with a serious, life-limiting illness, regardless of age.
