Who Qualifies for Palliative Care?

Many insurance companies cover this care. Our team will be happy to discuss the many options available to you.

How Can I Ask for Palliative Care? 

You don’t have to wait until your physician brings up palliative care. Asking your physician  to explain  your  illness and any current or future treatments and procedures that you may require as your disease progresses. Telling your physician exactly what quality of life means to you will assist you, your physician and family in making an informed decision about the care you want.  

What Kind of Patients Choose Palliative Care?

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified the characteristics of a patient who should receive palliative care but not curative treatment. These characteristics are applicable to patients with diseases other than cancer, as well. 

• The patient has limited ability to care for himself.
• The patient has received curative treatment and is no longer benefiting from it.
• The patient does not qualify for an appropriate clinical trial.
• There is no evidence that further treatment would be effective.

How Does Palliative Care Work?

Individuals are usually referred to palliative care at the onset of a serious illness by their physician. You can also ask your physician about palliative care. The intention of palliative care is to provide information to the patient and family so they can determine their goals and desired outcomes.   

What Services Are Included?

Palliative care is most often provided by a team of professionals. Clinical evaluation and care discussions are usually provided by physicians, nurse practitioners and RNs. At times, social workers and chaplains are also involved. Be sure to ask who makes up the team of professionals a provider offers.  

Palliative care programs may include the following services: 

• Improving quality of life for both the patient and the family 
• Minimizing pain and discomfort 
• Alleviating emotional distress, anxiety, or depression 
• Assisting with safety, mobility, and equipment 
• Spiritual counseling 
• Empowering patients and caregivers to make the right decisions 

About Advanced Care Planning

What Is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An advance health care directive is a written expression of what a person does and doesn’t want if he or she becomes ill and can’t communicate or make decisions. The directive contains written instructions concerning future medical care and/or names your healthcare decision maker to act on your behalf when you are not able to act for yourself. 

Do I Have to Have a Written Form to Make My Wishes Legal?

No.  Oral instructions to your family or physician are just as legal as written ones.  You should know that oral instructions only apply to the duration of your stay in a healthcare facility.  Keep in mind, however, that many disputes arise because a health care agent, physician and family have different interpretations of oral instructions.  Physicians are required to note any instructions that you give them in your medical record.  The clearer you are about your wishes and the more you reinforce them in writing, the more likely that disagreements will be avoided.

Unfortunately, the following situation is one that’s far too common and happens every day all across the country.

A family is gathered by the bedside of a loved one who has been seriously ill, and now is likely near the end of life. Each member of the family has a different idea of what should be done and what their loved one would have wanted. Throughout the course of the illness, the family never discussed what the care priorities should be in the final months and weeks of life.

Even in the final days of life, these important decisions go unaddressed. This can leave a dark shadow over the death of a loved one that can linger long in the memory of family and dear friends. No one wants to think they might have done more after a person is already gone.

Palliative care professionals see such challenging situations every day. It’s difficult to know if more could have been done for your loved one. Madrone Care Network recommends learning more about palliative care long before you or your loved one might need it. Don’t wait until you are in the midst of a healthcare crisis. When a family is coping with a serious illness and a cure is no longer possible, palliative care provides the type of care most people say they want at the end of life: comfort and dignity. Palliative providers can help with information about care options and choices and ensure you live as fully as possible throughout your entire life. They will make sure your loved ones receive support as well. One of the best ways to make sure you and your loved ones benefit fully from palliative care is to talk about it before it becomes an issue.