Palliative care is often misunderstood amongst older loved ones. Families at this stage are mostly skeptical of these services due to misconceptions. This article aims to clarify some of these issues so that families can assert some confidence in such matters.
This article, therefore, discusses the need for palliative care services for seniors to improve their comfort, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Myth 1: Palliative Care Is the Same as Hospice Care
While it is commonly thought that hospice care and palliative care are the same, this is false-hospice care specifically provides end-of-life care. In contrast, palliative care spans all phases of a severe illness.
Palliative care emphasizes maintaining patients’ comfort and symptom control, and providing adequate care, not only in the last stages. This is especially true for those who look into palliative services in California, as many care homes for elderly people do include early care.
Myth 2: Seniors Must Stop Medical Treatment to Receive Palliative Care
The most common misconception is that palliative care can stop most other treatments. The truth is that palliative care runs hand in hand with other medical treatments.
Central California families often find out that they can receive palliative treatment in Fresno and still manage to continue their medications, therapies, and normal doctors’ visits, as the care is mainly geared towards comfort and maintenance of day-to-day activities.
Myth 3: Palliative Care Is Only for Cancer Patients
Even though palliative care is commonly associated with cancer support, it is also helpful for older adults dealing with a variety of chronic illnesses, such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Respiratory conditions
- Diabetes-related complications
That’s the larger perspective: the majority of senior homes also offer palliative care services for seniors, in addition to regular assisted living and memory care programs.
Myth 4: Palliative Care Removes Independence from Seniors
Another myth says that palliative care limits one’s freedom. Just the opposite-palliative care offers more freedom by alleviating pain, addressing handiness with daily chores, and improving comfort.
A considerable number of families who investigate the provision of palliative services in California might expect that their loved ones will become less active; the elderly, however, often become more active and participative when their distress levels are controlled.
Myth 5: Palliative Care Means Giving Up Hope
Comfort-focused care does not take away hope — it supports it. Seniors often continue living meaningful, fulfilling lives for many years while receiving palliative support.
By choosing thoughtful palliative treatment in Fresno, families can ensure that their loved ones experience both physical comfort and emotional reassurance.
Myth 6: Palliative Care Is Too Expensive
A common experience among families considering palliative services in California for their elderly loved ones is an unexpected increase in the elderly’s activity and participation levels after managing the active symptoms.
It often comes as a surprise to families to learn that many communities offer palliative care services for seniors that provide flexible care plans and work with various funding sources.
Myth 7: Only Hospitals Provide Palliative Care
The modern concept of palliative care no longer restricts itself to hospitals. Nowadays, many residential care facilities and assisted living facilities have adopted comfort-oriented meal plans for their clients.
Due to these options, families can find palliative services in California that cater to their unique needs, such as lifestyle preferences and long-term care.
Choose Compassionate, Reliable Care for Your Loved One
By understanding the facts of the situation, every individual associated with the family can make better decisions regarding the care and well-being of seniors. Those searching for reliable, customized palliative treatment in Fresno can find it at Evergreen Life Care Homes, which offer cozy, residential-style facilities where the elderly are given the respect and care they need.
Contact Evergreen Life Care Homes today to schedule a visit or speak with a care specialist.
