Many people don’t know that if they are living with serious medical conditions such as cancer, heart, or lung disease don’t have to do it all alone. They can receive help with managing their symptoms, and in the process improve their quality of life and reduce stress. They can do all this with palliative care at hospice‌ ‌care‌ ‌centers in Burbank‌ ‌Ca‌ like Faith and Hope. 

It does not matter whether you are receiving palliative care at a hospital, outpatient clinic, or even at home (which is home-based palliative care), there are several options for getting the care that you or your loved one requires. The health professionals at the Burbank hospice‌ take a closer look at home-based palliative care and answer some of the most asked questions about this option. 

What’s Palliative Care?

It is understandable that the term ‘palliative care’ is the first time you have heard of it. Palliative, which is pronounced (pal-lee-uh-tiv) is a type of care that specializes in medical treatment for those who are living with serious illnesses. 

This type of care at hospice‌ ‌care‌ ‌centers in Burbank and Los‌ ‌Angeles‌ ‌ concentrates on giving the patient relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The aim is to improve the patient’s as well as the patient’s family’s quality of life. 

At Faith and Hope, a hospice‌ ‌care‌ center in ‌Burbank‌ ‌Ca‌, palliative care is provided by an expertly trained team of medical professionals consisting of doctors, nurses, and other specialists. They all work together with the patient’s other doctors to give that additional support. Palliative care is good for everybody at any age and at any stage of illness, and it can be provided while the patient undergoes curative treatment. 

Is Home-Based Palliative Care Different?

A patient at ‌‌a hospice‌ ‌care‌ facility in ‌Burbank‌ ‌Ca‌ ‌is able to have palliative care in many different settings. This helps them to receive care where they need it. This could be at their home, or in a hospital. It doesn’t matter where the palliative care is carried out because the intentions always remain the same. The positives to home-based palliative care are that it can help the patient avoid unnecessary hospitalizations since it helps to manage complex symptoms before they get out of hand. 

What Should You Expect From Palliative Care?

Palliative care involves a specially trained team that usually includes a doctor and a nurse who are committed to helping the patient and their family’s quality of life. The team will work hand in hand with you, your family, and your other doctors to treat symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and other problematic signs of illness. 

Furthermore, the palliative care team will take the time to get to know you as an individual and provide care that is tailor-made for your needs and what you want and like when it comes to addressing your symptoms, emotional stress, and also your spiritual requirements. 

In most situations, palliative care can help organize mandatory medical tests to be done at your home, such as blood work and x-rays. Additionally, a palliative care team keeps in constant communication with your other doctors to make certain that everybody remains aware of your requirements and care.

Does A Home-Based Palliative Team Listen To The Patient? 

Absolutely! In fact, a palliative team makes it a point to spend time listening to you, getting to know you and your family. The reason why they take listening to everybody so important is that they want to learn what you think is important, and based on what you believe is critical, they create a treatment plan. 

How Do I Find Out If Home-Based Palliative Care Is Available Where I Reside?

Initially, palliative care was only available to patients and families that were in the hospital. Fortunately, over time, doctors have realized that palliative care is very useful, and the Affordable Care Act was passed, which has made palliative care more widely available in various settings. 

Although availability is increasing, it isn’t an option everywhere. If you or a loved one is having problems with a serious illness, it is necessary to talk to your doctor about palliative care to find out what services are available where you reside. Most of the time, a referral is a must. You can check out the Palliative Care Provider Directory, and forward it to your doctor to assist in finding programs within your area. 

How Do I Receive Palliative Care? 

If you or a loved one is living with a serious illness, you can ask your doctor for a palliative care referral. As stated above, in some areas, palliative care can be carried out in the comfort of your home. However, if home-based palliative care isn’t available, you most certainly can receive these services from a hospital or an outpatient clinic. 

Keep In Mind That Covid-19 Is Still Out There

If you or a loved one has a serious illness, it is vital that you adhere to the health and safety guidelines that apply to Covid-19.

Sadly, the virus is still circulating and causes havoc, and you may have more than one medical condition that could lead to severe complications if you get infected with the coronavirus. 

Covid-19 spreads through person-to-person, through respiratory droplets generated when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or just talks. It isn’t always straightforward if a person is infected with the virus. For this reason, the US Centers for Disease Control advises the people who are in higher-risk groups should maintain health and safety practices. 

These health and safety practices, consist of proper and frequent handwashing or using hand sanitizer, wearing face coverings in public, and physical distancing with any person that is outside of your immediate family circle. 

These practices will not only help protect you and your loved ones from just Covid-19, but also the flu, common cold, and other viral infections.

Caring for someone with a serious medical condition at home can be very challenging. It can sometimes be physically and emotionally draining. That’s why palliative care, especially home-based palliative care, is very helpful for patients and their families.