Question

At work or during your practicum, talk with a member of the team and ask how hospice palliative care is provided to the people in their care

Answer 1

Palliative care may also be known as supportive care, symptom management, or comfort care. It can be given separately from hospice care (for example, while still in active cancer treatment), but It's often the main part of hospice care if cancer is no longer being treated because it has worsened. Palliative care does not treat cancer. Instead, it's used to prevent or treat symptoms and side effects as early as possible, so that it doesnt create further complications.

As part of hospice care, palliative care looks at how the cancer experience is affecting the whole person and help to relieve symptoms, pain, and stress. It gives patients options and allows them and their caregivers to take part in planning their care. It’s about assuring that all their care needs are addressed. The specialized professionals who are part of the palliative care team can help look for and manage mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual issues that may come up.

The main goal of including palliative care into hospice services is to help patients be comfortable while allowing them to enjoy the last stage of life. This means that discomfort, pain, nausea, and other side effects are managed to make sure that you feel as good as possible, yet are alert enough to enjoy the people around you and make important decisions.