Step-by-Step Guide to Palliative Care
End of life or palliative care is often a very misunderstood concept. Many people are unsure if it is the type of care their loved one needs and what exactly is offered by palliative care experts. In this step-by-step guide we will discuss when you should consider palliative care, what a professional carer or a nurse can offer, and how much one can expect to pay for this type of specialist care.
What Is Palliative Care?
When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the priorities of care change. Palliative care concentrates on making sure the individual facing the end of their life has the happiest and most painless experience possible in the circumstances.
Palliative care aims to manage pain and the psychological effects of someone who is facing their death. Many professional palliative carers will be trained in psychological, social, and spiritual support, to ensure they can use the best method to make the last months or weeks of a loved one’s life as fulfilled and pain-free as possible.
Nurses can visit those with terminal conditions at home to administer medication and aid with their pain management. Palliative care is a specialised form of care and as such will be carried out by a qualified and experienced nurse. Such nurses will be specialists in their field, so you can rest assured that all of your loved one’s medical needs are being met.
It is important to note that palliative care neither quickens nor postpones death, but offers a professional, experienced, and caring support system to help your loved one to live as happily and comfortably as possible for as long as they can.
Home Care vs Hospice Care
Often, when people they think of palliative care they automatically think of it as being in a hospice. Whilst a hospice can be a well-equipped and loving place to spend one’s last few months, not many people are aware that palliative care can also be received in the comfort of your own home.
Hospices will generally only accept those who have been given less than six months’ life expectancy or who have been terminally diagnosed. However, it may be that before this point, a palliative care nurse and their specialism can be helpful. Your loved one could benefit from the psychological and social support of a professional carer long before they are given a life expectancy. Those who are suffering with cancer and still receiving chemotherapy and radiation, but have not been terminally diagnosed, could also benefit from the experience and expertise of palliative carers.
Pricing
According to Marie Curie, a charity that provides support for those suffering with terminal illnesses, hospice care can cost as much as £425 a day, which adds up to almost £3000 per week. However, there is a more affordable alternative option. You can choose to have palliative care supplied in the comfort of your loved one’s own home rather than a strange environment, and the care provider can also match the care professional to the patient’s individual needs and personality, to make sure that they are as happy and as comfortable as can be. Palliative care delivered by a nurse at home can range from £2000-£2500 per week and £690 – £1000 per week, if the care is delivered by a care professional depending on the needs of the individual, whilst hourly nursing can cost up to £50 an hour.
If you’re interested in finding out more about at-home care options or would like to arrange a free, introductory visit to talk about tailored care for you or a loved one, visit Cera’s website here or give us a call on 0203 034 4780.
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