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palliative

Common Myths About Palliative Care

While long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice are household terms, many people are confused when their loved one’s doctor recommends palliative care. At Santé, we understand the importance of learning as much as you can about your loved one’s options while they face challenges associated with disease. 

To help you prepare yourself and your loved one for next steps, we’ve compiled some of the most common myths about palliative care and the real truth about this life-changing intervention.

 

Myth: Palliative care is the same as end-of-life care. 

Fact: While palliative care is often a part of end-of-life care, patients can receive palliative care at any stage of life with any prognosis. Because these programs aim to relieve the uncomfortable and limiting symptoms of disease, they’re often recommended for patients of all ages and stages of life who are impacted by serious or chronic illness. 


Myth: Palliative care can shorten life. 

Fact: Life-saving or life-prolonging treatments don’t have to be discontinued when your loved one begins receiving palliative care. The decision to discontinue life-prolonging treatments is personal and should be made on a case by case basis between the patient, their loved ones, their physician, and their care team. Many patients receive palliative care alongside treatment designed to prolong life. 


Myth: You must be admitted to the hospital to receive palliative care. 

Fact: Santé provides palliative care in your loved one’s home for their ultimate comfort and convenience. In-home services ensure your loved one feels comfortable in their surroundings and isn’t limited by immobility, pain, or resources. 


Myth: Palliative care is primarily comprised of a medication regiment for pain.

Fact: Palliative care is robust, multifaceted, and comprehensive. It aims to address pain, shortness of breath, poor appetite, depression, sleep problems, immobility, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with a serious chronic disease. Palliative care may include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support and intervention and is often provided by a team of caregivers from many disciplines.


Myth: Only the bedridden can receive palliative care. 

Fact: Because of the symptom relief provided by palliative care, many patients are able to do more than ever before once they start receiving the support and relief they need.

 

If your loved one is facing a serious chronic illness and suffering from the untoward symptoms of disease, contact our compassionate team today to learn how palliative care can help on your terms. Stop into one of our five convenient Arizona locations or contact us via phone at 480-563-2402 today.

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