What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is additional holistic support focusing on improving one's quality of life while coping with a serious illness. Palliative clinicians focus on what matters most to individuals and families while addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and/or practical issues that may be causing distress.
Palliative Care vs Hospice Care
Palliative care can be provided at any point in the illness trajectory. Hospice care is provided only at end of life. Both have goals of comfort and improved quality of life. In hospice care, the individual has a prognosis or life expectancy of six months or less (in general) and is no longer seeking curative treatment.
All hospice care is palliative but not all palliative care is hospice.
Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that allows individuals to make decisions about their future healthcare in case they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. It involves reflecting on and discussing one’s values, goals, and preferences regarding medical care and documenting these decisions to ensure that they are respected and followed.
Key Components of Advance Care Planning:
Understanding Your Values and Preferences:
Reflect on what is important to you in terms of quality of life, dignity, and independence.
Consider your beliefs, values, and personal goals when thinking about medical treatment and end-of-life care.
Discussing Your Wishes:
Engage in conversations with loved ones, healthcare providers, and possibly legal representatives about your healthcare preferences.
It’s important to communicate your wishes clearly to those who might be responsible for making decisions on your behalf.
Choosing a Healthcare Proxy:
Designate a healthcare proxy (also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare or healthcare agent) who can make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so.
This person should understand your values and be willing to advocate for your wishes.
Documenting Your Decisions:
Complete legal documents such as advance directives, living wills, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders to formally record your preferences.
These documents can specify the types of medical treatment you do or do not want, such as life support, resuscitation, or tube feeding.
Reviewing and Updating Plans:
Regularly review and update your advance care plans, especially after significant life changes, such as a new diagnosis, change in marital status, or other major life events.
Ensure that your healthcare proxy, family, and healthcare providers have the most up-to-date information.