As we age, our reflection in the mirror changes, and we look just a wee bit different than when we were 6, or 16 or 26. Time paints a lovely picture on our face of the life we’ve lived, the loves we’ve had, the laughter we’ve shared, and even the tears we’ve shed. Each chapter a new adventure in the book of our lives. We realize however at some point, our book will come to its conclusion and we’ll be moving on to a new adventure, beyond the scope of this life.
It’s all part of the “journey”, and although difficult when drawing to its conclusion, that last chapter can be smoother and more comfortable than we imagine. Maybe it’s at that very point that we turn to the professionals in palliative care to bear the burden of the last days of life so that the family and friends surrounding their loved one can now concentrate on bringing them more joy, peace, love and laughter and allowing the professional team of caregivers to cater to the special end of life needs that your loved one may require at this juncture.
That end-of-life Palliative team supports not only health and well-being of your loved one, keeping them comfortable, subduing any pain and suffering they may have to endure, they also provide companionship, spiritual guidance, and mental health assistance. The caring compassion they share is meant to ease the anguish that accompanies losing a loved one.
Palliative care team members work with the family and the primary care physician to fully understand the prognosis of your loved one and assist in defining goals, limitations and treatment options for them. Since people appear to be most comfortable at home surrounded by family and friends, it’s the objective of the Palliative Team to provide healthcare for your loved one and allow them to leave on their own terms from within their own home. Home could be his or her home, a relative’s home, an assisted living residence, an adult family home, or in some cases, a hospital room.
The Palliative Team consists of a physician who generally works closely with your loved one’s primary physician, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Certified Nursing Assistants, trained volunteers offering companionship and of course, spiritual care. The costs are generally paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, or many private insurance plans may also cover costs.
When caring for a loved one gets to be overwhelming, stress can escalate, and that’s when obtaining a team of professionals in palliative care to help bear the burden of compassionate care can benefit everyone. The primary care physician will know when address palliative care when the time is right, and that can take some of the tremendous pressure out of your hands. You will now have a team palliative-care professionals to guide you and your loved one safely and calmly through that last chapter of their life and gently close the book as they move on to the sequel.