Does Palliative Care Come To The Home? – Exploring Benefits, Costs and Challenges

Introduction

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. It is designed to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. While most palliative care is provided in hospitals or long-term care facilities, it can also be provided in the home. In this article, we will explore the need for palliative care in the home, the benefits and costs associated with this type of care, how it is provided, and the challenges faced by those who provide it.

Interview with a Family Who Has Received Palliative Care at Home

We spoke with the family of a man in his 70s who received palliative care at home following a diagnosis of late-stage cancer. They described the experience as “overwhelmingly positive”, saying that the care team was “incredibly supportive and compassionate”. They were grateful for the opportunity to keep their loved one at home during his final days, as well as the extra help that allowed them to focus on spending time with him rather than managing his care.

Benefits of Palliative Care in the Home

The primary benefit of receiving palliative care at home is improved quality of life for the patient. This includes not only physical comfort, but also psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Home palliative care can also provide increased comfort and support for the family, as they can be involved in the care process and have greater control over care decisions. Additionally, it can be more convenient and cost-effective than other forms of end-of-life care.

Costs Associated with Palliative Care at Home

Palliative care at home may require out-of-pocket expenses, such as for medications, equipment, or supplies. However, many insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with palliative care, so it’s important to check with your provider before assuming any additional costs. Additionally, some organizations may offer financial assistance to help cover the costs of palliative care.

How Palliative Care is Provided in the Home

Palliative care in the home is typically provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. The services offered may include symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, respite care, and assistance with activities of daily living. It is important to choose a provider with experience in providing palliative care, as this will ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Challenges of Providing Palliative Care at Home

Providing palliative care in the home can present certain challenges. Access to certain services, such as hospice care, may be limited depending on where you live. Additionally, managing symptoms and pain can be difficult when the patient is not in a hospital setting. Finally, there is an emotional toll associated with providing palliative care, as caregivers must cope with the knowledge that their loved one is nearing the end of their life.

Comparison of Palliative Care in the Home to Other Types of End-of-Life Care

Palliative care in the home can be compared to other types of end-of-life care, such as home hospice and inpatient hospice. Home hospice is similar to palliative care in that it provides comfort and support to the patient, but it is intended for those who have less than six months to live. Inpatient hospice is provided in a hospital or other facility and is usually reserved for those who cannot be cared for at home. Both types of care can be beneficial, but the decision of which type is best should be based on the individual needs of the patient and their family.

Conclusion

Palliative care in the home can provide numerous benefits for patients and their families, including improved quality of life, increased comfort and support, and greater convenience and control over care decisions. However, there are also associated costs and challenges, such as limited access to certain services and managing symptoms and pain. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue palliative care in the home should be made after careful consideration of the individual needs of the patient and their family.