Making the decision to pursue palliative care is not an easy one. It is often a difficult and emotional time for families, who are trying to make the best possible decisions for their loved ones. This guide provides information about palliative care and offers advice for individuals and families who are facing end-of-life decisions.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a holistic approach to treating the symptoms of life-limiting illnesses, and aims to improve quality of life for individuals with palliative conditions. It is important that palliative patients have an end of life plan in place prior to starting palliative care. These plans should include information about their condition, including their diagnosis and prognosis, as well as their wishes for end of life care.
It is also important that loved ones have a discussion with their family members about palliative care, and to make sure they are aware of their wishes. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes time to make decisions about your care.
End of Life Plans
Planning and making decisions about the end of a loved one’s life can be a daunting task. However, it is important to have these conversations, think about these things ahead of time, and to have a plan in place. Looking into and choosing a prepaid funeral plan can also ensure that their wishes are carried out, and that you and your family are not left with any difficult decisions to make.
Learn More About the Condition
To put good plans in place, it is important to understand what palliative care will involve and where you can seek palliative care for your loved one.
You can speak with the palliative care doctor and ask them questions, such as:
- What are the symptoms of the condition?
- Will my loved one be able to eat or drink?
- Will my loved one need help with personal hygiene?
- How long do you think my loved one will have to live?
You should also ask them how palliative care will help, and what you can do to ensure that your loved one receives the best possible quality of life.
When it comes to choosing a palliative care facility that is right for your loved one, consider doing some research. You can find more information about palliative care in Melbourne, or seek facilities in your area by contacting palliative care organisations, such as the palliative care unit at your local hospital.
Consider an Advance Directive
Advance care planning is an important step in palliative care. It is a way for your loved one to communicate their wishes and values about palliative care, and it makes sure that they are carried out.
Your family and your loved one can make these decisions in advance by creating an Advance Care Directive (ACD), which is a document that outlines what kind of palliative care treatments your loved one wants to receive. This includes palliative care treatments like pain medication and palliative sedation, as well as palliative care services such respiratory therapy or palliative nursing care.
It is important to involve palliative care doctors in the ACD process, as they can help ensure that your loved one’s palliative care wishes are carried out.
Financial Planning
Having your loved ones finances in order is an important step in palliative care. It is also a good idea to make sure that your loved one’s Will and other financial documents are up to date, so that you can help manage their finances if needed.
It may also be helpful for you to speak with a financial planner, who can help organise your loved one’s finances and make sure that their money is managed appropriately.
Planning other personal matters
There may be other personal matters that your loved ones would like to consider. This might include visiting somewhere with their friends, having certain requests at their funeral or making other special arrangements.
It’s important to communicate with your loved one to find out what their other final wishes are, and how you can help them achieve them.
To conclude, palliative care is an important step in the end of life process. It can provide your loved one with relief from their symptoms and a better quality of life. By having a plan in place, and understanding palliative care, you can ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care during this difficult time.
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