Tretaing the Whole Person is contributed by PeaceHealth. This article is published in the Spring/Summer 2023 Edition of Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide.
Eight billion miles. That’s how far home health care workers travel each year, according to national estimates.
Why are these specialists on the road so much? To make life easier for patients and families with long-term and serious illnesses.
At-Home Palliative Care
Palliative caregivers are among the medical professionals who serve patients in-home. At a high level, palliative care is designed to ease the symptoms and stresses of a long-lasting health issue. On a deeper level, it’s about improving your quality of life and supporting the people who care about you.
Palliative care can be given along with treatments aimed at curing your condition. It is appropriate at any age or stage of illness. Some people use it when recovering from surgery or during cancer treatment. Others want help planning for end-of-life care or managing the anxiety that comes with a long illness.
Access to Experts
No matter your motivation, palliative care gives you access to a team of experts, so you and your family don’t have to make treatment decisions on your own. In Northwest Washington, you also don’t have to go to the hospital to get support. PeaceHealth’s Home and Community Services offers community-based palliative care. That means our services can be done at home or nearby.
Our services include:
- Help managing symptoms: We share ways to make you more comfortable. This may be with medication or techniques to address pain, fatigue, depression, difficulty sleeping and more.
- Personalized care plans: No two palliative care patients are the same. Our providers will take the time to understand your needs and adjust your care as they change.
- Coordinated care: Serious illnesses often mean lots of appointments and instructions to follow. You don’t have to do it alone. Our specialists help you keep track of your visits, prescriptions and other health care services. This coordinated approach means you’re less likely to go to the hospital or emergency room for care.
- Whole-person health: Your health includes your body, mind and spirit. To address all these needs, our palliative care teams include a social worker, doctor, nurse, chaplain and other specialists.
- Family support: Caring for a sick family member has an impact on caregivers, too. Palliative care is also for them. Our team can help you consider changes in family roles and expectations. We can also connect your loved ones with help for mental health and financial concerns.
For more information on PeaceHealth palliative care services in Bellingham
Website: PeaceHealth’s palliative care services in Bellingham
Phone: 360-543-4424
