VISITING ANGELS AUBURN, NH 603-483-8999
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What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and End of Life Care?

What is the difference between palliative care and end-of-life care when caring for seniors in Auburn, NH?

It may seem like palliative care and end-of-life care are two terms for the same thing, but that is not the case. Yes, they do share similarities, but these two types of care have separate processes, unique benefits, and different goals.

Palliative care is all-encompassing care that works to improve the overall well-being of the client. This type of care treats serious illnesses, regardless of what stage of life. The care may include providing comfort to someone nearing the end of their life, but it is not limited. In palliative care, a team of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work together with the common goal of improving the client's overall health and creating a plan to treat any illnesses specifically they may have. Palliative care can be available to seniors in many places, from the hospital to the comfort of their own homes to residential care facilities. 

Palliative care is designed to work together with other types of treatment. For example, an individual who has cancer may receive chemotherapy and palliative care simultaneously. Palliative care is beneficial to them because it is used to treat the symptoms and effects of chemotherapy, often taking a toll on the body. We also recommend palliative care for an individual after having surgery to aid them in their recovery. 

End-of-life care focuses on caring for an individual whose illness is terminal. After all, attempts to cure a disease or prolong a patient's life have been done, end-of-life care often steps in to keep them comfortable and content in their final days of living. Depending on the patient and their illness's aggression, end-of-life care can last a short time or a long time. End-of-life care is usually administered by healthcare workers, social workers, and, sometimes, religious clergy. 

End-of-life care addresses several aspects when caring for seniors nearing the end of their lives. Among these are:

  • Physical comfort
  • Mental and emotional support (for both the patient and their family)
  • Daily living such as housekeeping or running errands
  • Assistance with getting personal affairs in order such as legal and financial matters
  • Spiritual support 

Families need to discuss the end-of-life wishes with their loved ones before the worsening of their conditions. These discussions help ensure that they are in a clear state of mind when making these decisions and gives the family time to plan. We strongly encourage you to respect and follow your loved one's wishes regarding how they would like the end of their life to be handled.

If you are interested in learning more about how Visiting Angels Auburn can help with senior care, please contact the agency nearest to you or call 603-483-8999.

 

Serving Manchester, Derry, Concord, Auburn NH and the Surrounding Area

Visiting Angels AUBURN, NH
14 Hookset Rd,
Auburn, NH 03032
Phone: 603-483-8999

Serving Manchester, Derry, Concord, Auburn NH and the Surrounding Area

Visiting Angels AUBURN, NH
14 Hookset Rd,
Auburn, NH 03032
Phone: 603-483-8999