Debunking Common Myths About Palliative Care

If your loved one has just been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. You may experience feelings of hopelessness, upset, and confusion. At the time, it is normal to feel disoriented and unsure of your next steps. You want your loved one to be as comfortable as possible while receiving the best care and support available. 

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One piece of that may be Palliative Care. Some people have misconceptions about Palliative Care and the benefits it can provide for Clients and family members. We’re here to break down some common myths surrounding Palliative Care. To give you a better understanding of how it can benefit your loved ones as they navigate their illness. 

What Is Palliative Care? 

Palliative Care is specialized care that is intended to make the lives of people living with a life-limiting illness more comfortable and manageable. Care is tailored to each individual based on their needs and can be adjusted as their illness progresses. Compassionate at-home palliative care not only improves the lives of the individual living with the illness but also the lives of their loved ones. By giving them the peace of mind that the best care possible is being given. 

Myth #1: Palliative Care Is Only For People At The End Of Their Lives

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The goal of Palliative Care is to make living with a life-limiting illness more comfortable by managing the symptoms, suffering, and pain that can come with an illness or as a result of various treatments. Clients can receive and benefit from Palliative Care at any stage of their illness. Even if they received their diagnosis weeks, months, or even years ago. Studies have shown that people with life-limiting illnesses who receive palliative care often live longer than those who do not seek additional care.

Myth #2: Only People Diagnosed with Cancer Can Receive Palliative Care

While individuals diagnosed with cancer can certainly benefit from receiving Palliative Care, it is not the only diagnosis that can. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of the following illnesses, you may benefit from receiving Palliative Care: 

• Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Heart Failure
• Cancer
• Stroke 
• Liver Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• And many more!

Myth #3: Palliative Care is Only Physical 

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While services such as wound care and massage therapy may be part of a Client’s Palliative Care plan, physical care is certainly not the only care provided. Personal Support Workers can also offer emotional support, companionship, and other services that can benefit not only the physical but also the mental health of Clients. 

Myth #4: Palliative Care Is An Alternative To Other Forms Of Care

Palliative Care is intended to coincide with care provided by other healthcare professionals. If you are receiving Palliative Care, you should continue to visit your primary care provider. For example, if you are on dialysis, you will still go to your doctor for treatments and check-ups. However, your Palliative Care provided can help you manage the muscle cramps, dry skin, and other side effects that can be associated with dialysis treatment.