Palliative care. For many, the words conjure up an image of hospital patients too full of painkillers to know they’re dying as doctors walk callously by.
And that’s unfortunate, because not only is palliative treatment not any of these things, it’s meant to alleviate the fear its name evokes.
After all, the word “palliative” comes from “palliate” which means to soothe or ease. Unfortunately, so many damaging myths surround the term that many patients don’t get the care that can ease their suffering.
Let’s dispel some of these myths, so more patients and their families can make informed choices about whether palliative treatment is right for them.
Myth #1: Palliative Care Means Death
This is probably the most common myth about palliative care.
The truth is, palliative treatment is only meant to provide relief from the symptoms and stresses of an illness. It does not cause or hasten death.
Moreover, patients who accept palliative treatment early can receive curative treatments along with care to ease their mental and physical suffering.
A cancer patient can receive chemotherapy and palliative care at the same time. A person with kidney disease can undergo dialysis and palliative treatment simultaneously.
In fact, by managing their painful side effects through medication, diet, and counseling, many patients report higher satisfaction, improved symptom management, and even a higher survival rate.
Unfortunately, patients who don’t know this this often put off palliative treatment until they reach the terminal stage – usually six months before death – and after they choose to stop curative treatments.
At this point, palliative care is known as hospice care, a type of palliative treatment that focuses on easing patient suffering. Quality of life is still important, but the patient is not expected to survive.
For this reason, many doctors encourage patients to consider palliative care early so they can enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life.
Myth #2: Palliative Treatment Means Giving Up
Many patients believe doctors who offer palliative treatment have “given up” on them and don’t want to deal with them anymore.
Actually, since this care believes in treating patients physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, its treatment plans offer patients even more support.
Depending on the plan, that support can come from doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors. Some plans even include nutritionists and chaplains.
These specialists work with the patient’s regular physicians to ensure more effective treatment.
Treatment isn’t limited to prescribing painkillers either. Depending on the patient’s wants and needs, fun activities, counseling, and even massage therapy can all be part of a palliative treatment plan.
With all this support, does it really make sense that palliative care nurses and health care providers have “given up” on a patient?
Myth #3: Palliative Treatment is Only for the Elderly
This is one myth that prevents many families from realizing palliative treatment is an option for them.
Actually, there are palliative treatment plans for every age group – from children to the elderly. A pediatric palliative care plan can include child counselors who teach children relaxation techniques and help with concerns about school.
Moreover, palliative care doesn’t just focus on the patient. A patient’s caregivers need support too!
Here, a support team might provide counselors to help families deal with stress. Social workers can answer questions about the healthcare system and community resources.
Not-for-profit palliative care provider Hospice of the Valley offers a no-charge service connecting social workers with families of people in late-stage serious disease who need home-based education and care.
Myth #4: Palliative Care is Only for Cancer Patients
Life-limiting diseases come in different forms – cancer, heart disease, lung disease, AIDS, and dementia. Palliative treatment plans exist for these and other chronic conditions.
Hospice of the Valley, for instance, offers a Pulmonary Resource Program for people with chronic lung disease, cancer, and other conditions that affect breathing. Their team teaches patients techniques to manage breathing difficulties and helps coordinate everyday tasks.
Hospice of the Valley also pioneered the Palliative Care for Dementia Program to help families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The program offers 24/7 phone support from a nurse or social worker who can offer advice. Families can also request home visits from a dementia educator who can teach behavior management strategies.
Myth #5: Palliative Treatment is More Expensive Than Usual Care
Medical care of any kind can be expensive in the United States.
However, patients should know that palliative care can often save on hospital costs.
How? When patients accept palliative treatment early, their team educates them about their medical plan, ensuring they don’t get unnecessary (and costly) tests.
Patients can also receive palliative treatment wherever they live, through programs such as Arizona Palliative Home Care, reducing the need for hospital stays. Having pain and symptoms managed by a support team also makes emergency room visits less likely, reducing costs further.
Support teams can also help families navigate the health care system and find additional forms of financial aid to offset the cost of medical care.
This support, however, is most effective when a person receives palliative treatment at diagnosis. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get a palliative care consultation sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the best way to deal with a life-limiting illness is never easy.
But during such stressful times, it’s best to have as much support as possible.
Palliative care can help. By reaching out to providers like Hospice of the Valley, patients and their families open themselves up to a wealth of options that can lead to a better quality of life.
Look past the fear associated with the name. Feel the comfort that comes from care meant to soothe and ease. You and your loved ones deserve it.
For more information on Hospice of the Valley’s palliative care programs, call 602-530-6900.
