Question 1

How do I know if palliative care is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care may be right for you if you have a serious illness. Serious illnesses include but are not limited to: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and many more. Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness. You can also have this type of care at the same time as treatment meant to cure you.

Question 2

What does the palliative care team do?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. The goal is to improve your quality of life.
To do this, the palliative care team will:
 
• Relieve your symptoms and distress
• Help you better understand your disease and diagnosis
• Help clarify your treatment goals and options
• Understand and support your ability to cope with your illness
• Assist you with making medical decision
• Coordinate with your other doctors

Question 3

What can I expect from palliative care?

Accepted Answer

In short, you can expect that your quality of life will be improved. You will have relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. You can also expect close communication and more control over your care.
 
Palliative care will help you carry on with daily life. It will improve your ability to go through medical treatments. And it will help you to match your goals to your treatment choices.

Question 4

Will my insurance cover palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance plans cover all or part of palliative care, just as with other hospital and medical services. This is also true of Medicare and Medicaid. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from the palliative care team can help you with payment options.

Question 5

Can I have curative treatment together with palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Your treatment choices are up to you. You can have palliative care at the same time as treatment meant to cure you.

Question 6

How does palliative care help me choose the best treatment option?

Accepted Answer

The palliative care team will also spend time talking and listening to you and your family. They will make sure you completely understand all of your treatment options and choices. By deeply exploring your personal goals, the palliative care team will help you match those goals to the options. They will also make sure that all of  your doctors are coordinated and know and understand what you want. This gives you more control over your care.

Question 7

When should I ask for palliative care?

Accepted Answer

You can have it at any age and any stage of an illness, but early in your illness is recommended.

info@pathwayhospicecares.com Upstate: 864.312.6825 Midlands: 803.391.3146

Hospice & Palliative FAQ

There are some misconceptions regarding Hospice & Palliative Care so below we have included some frequently asked questions.

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