How Long Can a Person Live in Palliative Care?

Palliative care services are specialized care services provided to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, dementia, and many others. The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family members, by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

In this blog post, we will discuss when someone should enter palliative care, and how long a person can live in palliative care.

When Should a Person Enter Palliative Care?

When someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, it's important to start discussing the possibility of palliative care with their health care providers. Palliative care can be provided at a hospital, a nursing home, an assisted-living clinic, or at home. Contrary to popular belief, palliative care doesn't necessarily mean that end-of-life care is imminent; palliative care can be initiated at any stage of a serious illness. 

When a person is admitted into palliative care, the palliative care teams work alongside their other healthcare providers to manage symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. They will also help the patient and their family members understand the illness, provide support and guidance, and help them make informed decisions about treatment options.

Many people believe that entering palliative care means giving up on curative treatment, but this is not the case. Palliative care can be provided in tandem with curative treatment. It's all about improving the quality of life for the patient. 

When the curative treatment is no longer beneficial, or the patient decides to stop for whatever reason may be, hospice care can be provided to the patient. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that is focused on providing comfort and support in the final stages of life.

How Long Can a Person Be in Palliative Care?

It's important to note that the length of time a person can live in palliative care varies depending on the individual and the illness. Some people may only require palliative care for a few weeks, while others may need it for months or even years. This is because life-limiting illnesses progress at different rates, and some people respond better to treatment than others, meaning life expectancy can be different from person-to-person even if they suffer from the same illness. The goal of palliative care is not to extend life, but to improve the quality of life for the patient.

The hospice and palliative care team will work closely with the patient and their family members to provide emotional and spiritual support and to help them cope with the changes that come with serious illness. They will also help with end-of-life planning, including discussions about the patient's wishes for care and how they want to be remembered.

Staff Relief is Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

Receiving a diagnosis for a life-limiting illness can be devastating for both the patient and their loved ones. If you or someone you love is in need of palliative care services, Staff Relief is here to help.

With over 25 years of experience providing reliable care, we have established ourselves as a leading nursing agency in Ontario, providing our home and community healthcare services to those in need. Our team of compassionate and competent professionals will work with you and your loved ones to create a personalized care plan that meets the unique needs of your situation. Contact us today to learn more about our different care options. You are not alone in this. We are here to support you every step of the way.