Who is Eligible for Palliative Care?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, palliative care may be the answer. The focus of this type of program is relieving troubling symptoms that make it difficult to continue living life on your own terms – for example, enjoying leisure activities like gardening or playing cards and spending quality time with friends or family.
At Santé, our team of doctors and nurses will design a customized pain management plan that works for your health and lifestyle. In addition to treating your symptoms, our staff can help you work within your healthcare coverage and coordinate home care.
Many potential patients and their families have concerns about palliative care eligibility. Take the quiz below to determine if you or a loved one may be eligible for palliative care.
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Have you (or your loved one) been diagnosed with a serious illness such as:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Cancer
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
YES: Palliative care is not just for cancer patients. Anyone afflicted with the above conditions, or any condition that causes severe symptoms that disrupt your ability to function on an everyday basis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases account for the largest percentage of palliative care cases, while 10.3% suffer from chronic respiratory diseases.
NO: Palliative care is only intended for those with life-threatening illnesses.
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Are you experiencing symptoms that are difficult to cope with, including:
- Chronic Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dementia
YES: Extreme pain is the most common symptom for patients seeking palliative care, though many have a variety of symptoms associated with their condition. While there may be no curative treatment for a condition, palliative care focuses on lessening these difficult symptoms so that you can return to the activities you enjoy.
NO: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief. If you are currently symptom-free or receiving adequate treatment for your symptoms, palliative care may not be the best answer.
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Are you in the final stages of your illness?
YES: Palliative care is often administered concurrently with end-of-life care. Our staff will aid in managing your pain and symptoms while providing emotional comfort for you and your loved ones during this transition time.
NO: Unlike end-of-life care, palliative care can be administered at any age and stage of illness. If you are experiencing problems managing a serious illness, contact us at 480-563-2402 to inquire about palliative options.
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Do you require inpatient care?
YES: Palliative care options are available onsite at Santé’s transitional rehabilitation facilities.
NO: Palliative care is available wherever you call home; whether you are in your own house, a hospital or living with relatives.
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Are you concerned about medical coverage for palliative care?
YES: Though Medicare and Medicaid do not use the word “palliative” for medical coverage, many of the medication and treatments provided as part of a palliative care regimen may be covered. Private insurance may also cover palliative care. Check with your doctor and insurance provider to determine if your personalized treatment plan will be covered.
Ultimately, palliative care is about making you and your loved ones comfortable. While pain and symptom management is the primary focus, our care team will help you address issues associated with your illness, from navigating insurance plans to needing spiritual and emotional guidance. CLICK HERE or call 480-563-2402 to learn more about Santé’s palliative care services.
