Home palliative care services can be the difference between a good death and a bad one. A growing body of research shows that people who receive this specialized care at home are more likely to choose their own end-of-life care, have less suffering as they die, and sometimes live longer than people who do not get home palliative care. But not everyone needs home palliative care—and some people may even need it but not know it yet. So how do you know if you are one of those people? And how do you find the right home palliative care services for your situation?
Who needs home palliative care services?
You may need community palliative care services if you are experiencing a serious illness, are having difficulty coping with your illness, or are suffering from chronic or terminal illness. You may also need them if you are experiencing pain and loss.
You can get help with hospice services in many places. This includes at home and in a nursing facility like a hospital or hospice center. Hospice care is available for those who are seriously ill and want to spend their final days at home instead of a long-term care facility.
How do you know when it is time to seek home palliative care?
There are several signs that your loved one may need home palliative care. For example, if your loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or other symptoms that make it difficult to sleep.
- Not eating enough food or drinking enough fluids.
- Increasing confusion and/or hallucinations.
- Decreased mobility (moving around less); or losing strength in muscles.
How to choose the right home palliative care services?
To choose the right community palliative care services, ask your doctor, family, and friends about their experiences with home palliative care. You can also ask questions such as:
- What are they like? Are they available when you need them? Do they communicate clearly with you?
- Do they have qualifications in home care or nursing? If so, what type of training do they have received to provide this service.
- How many caregivers will be coming into your home on a regular basis and what is their role in providing care for my loved one (elderly parent/spouse/child) who needs help at this time because he/she has cancer that has spread aggressively throughout his body (prostate cancer).
Conclusion
Home palliative care services have become increasingly popular as people realize the benefits of having their loved ones in a familiar environment. If you think your loved one could benefit from home palliative care services, it is important to find the right provider who offers quality care at affordable rates. Do not hesitate to ask questions about what they offer, how much they charge and how they run their business as well as other things that may be important such as whether there are any age restrictions or specific conditions required before someone can receive these services. Please visit palcareassociates.com.au for more information.