What is palliative care? Carelon answers your palliative care FAQs
Understanding palliative care can be overwhelming, especially when you or your loved one is facing a serious illness. It's important to know your options and how to make life as comfortable as possible during tough times. We at Carelon are here to answer some of the common questions people have about palliative care.
Whether you're looking for information for yourself, a family member, or a friend, you'll find helpful insights into what palliative care is, how it can benefit you, and how we personalize care to meet your unique needs.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for people experiencing serious illnesses. Treatment involves managing symptoms like pain, stress, and other physical or emotional challenges. The primary objective of palliative care is to provide comfort and support, not only to the patient but also to their family, helping them navigate through challenging times with empathy and understanding.
It's important to know that palliative care isn't just for people experiencing terminal illnesses. You can receive palliative care at any stage of an illness, whether the illness is something curable or long-lasting.
You can also receive palliative care alongside your other treatments, whether they are aimed at curing or managing a disease. It's all about making sure you receive comprehensive support that respects your wishes and enhances your well-being.
Why do doctors recommend palliative care?
our doctor may suggest palliative care for several reasons, including:
- Improving quality of life
- Managing pain
- Providing emotional support
- Addressing depression
- Guiding treatment choices
- Coordinating care
- Supporting families
Who can benefit from palliative care?
Palliative care is not just for those at the end of life. Care is designed to improve your quality of life by managing your symptoms and offering support, regardless of the stage or progression of your illness. Palliative care helps people feel better physically and emotionally, making it easier to handle life’s daily challenges. Whether you’re undergoing treatment with the hope of recovery or managing a long-term condition, palliative care can be a valuable part of your health care plan.
Palliative care can be beneficial if you are experiencing a serious illness, such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- Lung disease
- Stroke
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Palliative care can help with multiple other conditions that cause distress for a person.
When should someone be offered palliative care?
Palliative care should be offered to someone as soon as they are diagnosed with a serious illness, regardless as to whether the illness is life-threatening or not. If a person is experiencing pain, stress, or difficulty with daily activities due to an illness, palliative care can provide relief and support.
Care can be especially beneficial when treatments are causing uncomfortable side effects or when you experience uncertainty about your health care decisions. By addressing physical, emotional, and social needs early on, palliative care helps you feel more comfortable and empowered as you navigate your health care journey.
Does accepting palliative care mean giving up on other treatments?
Accepting palliative care does not mean that you give up on other treatments. You can receive palliative care alongside treatments that aim to cure or manage your illness. It's about improving your quality of life while still pursuing other medical options.
For example, if you're undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, palliative care can help manage the side effects like nausea or fatigue. This type of care focuses on relieving your symptoms and providing support, so you can feel your best during treatments.
Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
Palliative care and hospice care are related but not the same. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness and can be combined with curative treatments. Hospice focuses on end-of-life care.
At Carelon, we are dedicated to supporting patients through every stage of their health journey, including facilitating a seamless transition to hospice care if, and when, the time is right. While Carelon does not provide hospice services, for individuals who align hospice care with their personal care goals, we offer comprehensive palliative care and ensure that a transition to hospice care is handled with the utmost care and respect.
Does palliative care mean end of life is the expected outcome?
No, palliative care does not mean end of life is the expected outcome. Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of life for anyone dealing with a serious illness, whether that illness is life-threatening or not.
People can receive palliative care at any stage of their illness, even while receiving treatments aimed at curing or controlling their condition. The main goal is to ensure that people have a better quality of life while on their healthcare journey, regardless of their prognosis.
How long does palliative care last?
Palliative care lasts as long as you need it. There’s no set time limit for how long you can receive palliative care. Whether you're dealing with a short-term illness or managing a chronic condition, palliative care is there to support you throughout your journey.
Can palliative care help with emotional support?
Yes, palliative care can help with emotional support. Dealing with a serious illness can be stressful and overwhelming not just for the patient, but also for their family. Palliative care teams include health care providers who can help you cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or uncertainty that often come with an illness.
This support can come in the form of counseling, support groups, or even just having someone to talk to who understands what you're going through. The goal is to help you feel more at ease emotionally and to provide comfort during tough times. Palliative care is about taking care of the whole person, not just treating the illness.
Other support available to Carelon Palliative Care patients includes:
- 24/7 access to triage nurses for medical or emotional support and advice
- social worker assistance
- advance care planning
- understanding disease
- questions to ask your doctor/specialist
- ordering of medical supplies or prescriptions
- access to community resources when needed
- transition to hospice when needed
Who are the palliative care team members?
The Carelon physician-led palliative care team consists of various healthcare providers who work together to support you and your family. The team includes:
- Palliative Care Doctor: Specializes in managing your symptoms, relieving pain, and providing emotional support.
- Advanced Practice Provider (APP): Diagnoses and manages your conditions, delivering skilled care to improve outcomes.
- Registered Nurse: Offers you compassionate support by managing symptoms, administering treatments, and providing emotional care.
- Palliative Care Social Worker: Provides you counseling, emotional support, and practical assistance to help you navigate healthcare decisions and challenges.
- Patient Engagement Specialist: Enhances communication and educates you and your family, ensuring your needs are prioritized.
- Patient Care Coordinator: Organizes care delivery and communication among your providers, aiding you and your family in managing complex illnesses.
Does palliative care replace my current doctor?
No, palliative care does not replace your current doctor. Instead, treatment works alongside the care you're already receiving from your regular doctor and other health care providers. The palliative care team collaborates with your existing health care providers to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Their goal is to complement the treatment you're already undergoing by offering extra layers of care, such as pain management and emotional support. This means you keep your regular doctor while getting the added benefits of palliative care, ensuring you have a comprehensive healthcare plan that addresses all your needs.
Where can palliative care be provided?
Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, depending on what works best for you and your family. It can be offered at home, hospitals, nursing homes, at some clinics and outpatient centers, and virtually. The flexibility in these options means that you can receive the care you need in the environment where you feel most comfortable and supported. Carelon’s Palliative Care is provided in the home or virtually.
What is palliative care at home?
Palliative care at home brings medical and emotional support right to your doorstep, allowing you to receive care in the comfort of your own.
This option can be a great choice for many people because it lets you stay in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by family and loved ones. Being at home can enhance your sense of well-being and make it easier to maintain daily routines and personal comforts. You can receive the care at home while also going to your medical and specialist appointments and doing everyday activities.
Does Medicare cover palliative care?
Yes, Medicare covers palliative care, but the specifics depend on your unique needs. Services like doctor's visits, nursing care, and certain medications for symptom management are typically included. Other treatments, such as physical therapy or counseling, might also be covered.
However, coverage details and any out-of-pocket costs can vary, so it's important to confirm with your health care provider and Medicare plan to understand your benefits and any potential expenses.
Does insurance cover palliative care?
Yes, most insurance plans cover palliative care, but what's included can vary based on your specific policy. Typically, insurance will cover services such as doctor visits, nursing care, and medications needed for symptom management. Some plans may also include coverage for additional services like counseling or physical therapy.
It's important to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to get a clear understanding of what is covered under your plan and if there are any out-of-pocket costs you should expect. By doing this, you can ensure that you receive the necessary care without financial surprises.
Explore what to expect from palliative care
Please visit our what to expect page for detailed information about our services and care processes. We offer compassionate support tailored to your needs during serious illness. Call us at 844-232-0500 to discuss your referral and start your palliative care journey.
