Palliative Care Becoming Important to Provide Comfort for Those with Chronic Health Problems and Dementia.

People with serious or life-threatening diseases, such as cancer or Alzheimer's, may need to be comforted as they deal with the disease and the impact of the treatment. Palliative care addresses an individual as a whole, not just their condition. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, the goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems. 

Relieve Symptoms

Palliative care is intended to relieve the symptoms and stress of people with serious illnesses. In a larger sense, this caregiving philosophy helps ensure that a patient's life retains a sense of meaning, despite the devastating effects of the disease. 

Palliative care is part of the hospice care approach. Hospice focuses on a person's final months of life, where palliative care comes well before someone requires hospice. People want and deserve relief from their pain and other symptoms no matter the diagnosis or stage of the disease.

For those with Alzheimer's or other dementia, palliative care will assist in treating some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's like depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

Worldwide Problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that annually, an estimated 40 million people need palliative care worldwide. Between 69% and 82% of those who die need palliative care, according to a new study published in Palliative Medicine.

Palliative care is required for many diseases, not just cancer and Alzheimer's. The majority of adults in need of palliative care have chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (38.5%), cancer (34%), chronic respiratory diseases (10.3%), AIDS (5.7%), and diabetes (4.6%). 

Many other health issues may require palliative care, including:

• chronic liver disease

• congenital anomalies

• cystic fibrosis

• drug-resistant tuberculosis

• end-stage liver disease

• heart disease/congestive heart failure

• kidney failure

• lung disease

• multiple sclerosis

• neurological disease

• Parkinson's

• rheumatoid arthritis

• stroke

People with chronic health problems are living longer. Many of these individuals receive long-term health care. Managing their health and aging issues is becoming a more difficult task. Palliative care will improve their quality of life.

Those with Alzheimer's and dementia have multiple health issues, and their understanding of what is happening to them is limited because of their decline in cognitive function. Since so many older adults are developing memory problems, palliative care, and later, hospice, is used to better manage their condition and give them a better quality of life. 

Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care

Palliative care happens well before death. It focuses on relief from physical suffering. Often someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia is not living with another chronic disease and may or may not be terminally ill. However, they will need supervision, suffer from depression and confusion, and require help with daily living activities. 

These individuals are often unaware of their condition and get scared easily. As symptoms worsen, people with dementia may struggle to express themselves. They may be suffering from other discomforts like pain from arthritis or neuropathy, which they may not be able to describe to caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Association says palliative care will help alleviate and prevent suffering and helps the care recipient achieve a better quality of life through:

• Pain and symptom relief

• Medication Management

• Guidance in making complex medical decisions

• Emotional and spiritual support

• Help in navigating the healthcare system

Helping Ease Symptoms of Illness

Those people with other chronic health problems can express to caregivers the symptoms they are suffering from, and palliative care will address many symptoms:

• anorexia

• anxiety or nervousness

• breathing problems

• constipation

• depression

• fatigue

• nausea or vomiting

• pain

• problems sleeping

Palliative care services help address symptoms and improve your comfort and well-being. However, it provides support and assists the family with decisions the care recipient and their family must make when facing a serious illness or approaching the end of life.

Hospice Care

Hospice care comes near the end of life. Hospice care will help the care recipient be more comfortable. Hospice providers will help prepare them and their loved ones for the end of life when it is determined treatment for the illness will no longer be pursued.

Life-prolonging medications are discontinued, and every effort is made to relieve pain. Hospice care is often provided in the care recipient's home if possible. 

Emotional and Financial Impact 

While it is hard on the person receiving care, the emotional impact on the care recipient's family is tremendous. Many people had years of long-term health care before palliative or hospice care. The cost of long-term health care is rising sharply. It places a financial burden in addition to the emotional burdens. 

Too many people never think about long-term care or end-of-life care. They don't understand the consequences of declining health and aging places on their family and finances. Without any advance plan, the burden becomes larger as the progression of care expands. 

Ready for Aging?

Aging happens. You may notice that you move more slowly. You start forgetting things. It might begin with you needing help with bill paying. Then it progresses with shopping. It then expands with help with activities of daily living and supervision for those who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's, and other cognitive issues.

Health insurance, Medicare, and supplements will not pay for long-term care beyond a limited amount of skilled services. Medicaid will only pay if you have limited income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for all types of long-term health care, but you can only obtain coverage if you have reasonably good health. In other words, you can't buy a policy when you need care. Most people purchase LTC Insurance in their 50s.

Long-Term Care Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for your choice of quality care services. Plus, most plans help with a plan of care which eases the burden on loved ones. Not only will you protect your income and assets, but your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of caregivers.

It is not a pleasant topic to think about. Long-term care and end-of-life subjects are often avoided. Yet, the consequences of avoiding the topic will do precisely the opposite of what you want for your family when the time comes. 

Be prepared. Have a discussion with your family about your wishes. Protect your savings and legacy. Then, be ready to enjoy your future retirement with peace of mind.