Palliative Care at Home in Chicago

Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. It is intended to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. In this article, we will discuss what palliative care is, why it matters, and how you can access palliative care.

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What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. It is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, and is intended to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

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Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, and it can be given alongside curative treatment. It can include a variety of interventions, such as pain management, symptom control, and emotional and spiritual support.

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Why is Palliative Care Important?

Palliative care is important because it focuses on the overall well-being of the patient and their family. It is intended to improve quality of life and provide relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness.

Palliative care can be especially important for those who are facing a terminal illness, as it can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life during this difficult time. It can also provide support for the patient's family, helping them to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a serious illness.

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How Can You Access Palliative Care?

There are several ways you can access palliative care:

1. Primary care physician: Your primary care physician can refer you to a palliative care specialist or team, or they may be able to provide palliative care themselves.

2. Palliative care specialist: A palliative care specialist is a doctor who is trained in providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. You can see a palliative care specialist for a specific issue or for ongoing care.

3. Palliative care team: A palliative care team is a group of healthcare professionals who work together to provide palliative care. This can include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists.

4. Hospice care: Hospice care is a type of palliative care that is provided for individuals who are facing a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care is typically provided in the patient's home or in a hospice facility.

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Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. It is intended to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family, and can be provided at any stage of a serious illness. You can access palliative care through your primary care physician, a palliative care specialist or team, or through hospice care. By getting the right palliative care, you can improve your overall quality of life and provide support for your family during a difficult time.