Palliative Care in Los Angeles: Which Symptoms Can Palliative Care Help With?

Palliative care is provided to patients who are suffering from chronic or life-limiting illnesses and require additional support from medical staff that can address their psychological, physical, and emotional needs. It can be availed by patients of all ages, no matter which stage of the disease they are in. Palliative care professionals work diligently to provide support to the hospice patient and their families and offer extra help with a patient’s ongoing treatment.

Why Is Palliative Care Offered?

Palliative care is offered to adults and children who have a life-threatening or serious illness such as:

-          Cancer

-          Blood and bone marrow disorders

-          Dementia

-          Cystic fibrosis

-          Stroke

-          Parkinson’s disease

-          Lung disease

-          Kidney failure

-          End-stage liver disease

What Symptoms Can Palliative Care Help with?

Palliative care is delivered to seriously ill patients who may be suffering from a life-limiting illness. Aside from physical symptoms, patients who are in need of palliative care often need mental and psychological help to cope with their circumstances. Their illnesses are often accompanied by a host of symptoms, some of which may include:

-          Physical pain

-          Nausea or vomiting

-          Anxiety and nervousness

-          Trouble with sleeping

-          Anorexia

-          Constipation

-          Fatigue

-          Depression or sadness

Goals of Palliative Care

Every patient’s care plan is different depending on their individual needs, diagnosis, family background, cultural values, and spiritual beliefs. Nevertheless, some common goals that palliative care professionals hope to achieve during their treatment are:

-          Alignment of treatment plans with patient’s preferences and values

-          Minimizing the patient’s physical discomfort and pain

-          Enhancing the quality of life of the patient and their family

-          Alleviating the patient’s anxiety, depression, and emotional distress

-          Assistance with mobility equipment

-          Spiritual guidance and counseling