Palliative Care for Seniors in Castle Rock, CO

Palliative care provides specialized support for individuals with chronic conditions. The primary focus is to enhance patients' quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. This comprehensive approach provides patients a higher level of comfort and gives their families peace of mind.

While palliative care is often associated with end-of-life situations, it is not limited to this stage. Patients can benefit from palliative care at any point after a chronic illness diagnosis. The care can extend over a short period or several years depending on the individual’s needs. Regardless of how long it lasts, the goal of palliative care is to make the experience more manageable and dignified.

Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care

Many people mistakenly equate palliative care with hospice care. However, these two types of care differ significantly. Hospice care is for individuals with a limited life expectancy that are no longer receiving curative treatment. It’s specifically to provide them comfort and support during the final stages of life.

In contrast, palliative care can help at any stage of a serious illness, whether or not the patient is receiving ongoing treatments. It offers long-term support to improve the overall quality of life. Palliative care can complement curative treatments and is not restricted to end-of-life situations.

What Does Palliative Care Involve?

At Visiting Angels in Castle Rock, our Certified Palliative Care program stands out for its comprehensive and personalized approach. Our caregivers address a holistic range of needs to provide the highest level of care and comfort:

• Physical Care–Our team prioritizes managing physical discomfort and pain. We focus on pain relief and other physical concerns to maintain and improve the patient’s comfort.
• Emotional Support–Chronic illness can lead to a wide range of emotions. Our caregivers help patients and their families cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration. By fostering a positive environment, we help individuals maintain a sense of well-being.
• Social Interaction–We build meaningful relationships with patients to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Through companionship, we create a supportive social environment that helps clients feel connected and valued.
• Spiritual Care–Consistent companionship and care help provide a sense of purpose. Our goal is to offer spiritual support to give the patient and their family peace of mind.

Our palliative care services extend beyond in-home care. We also offer support at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Visiting Angels care providers can coordinate with skilled nursing teams to adapt to the various needs of your loved one, including end-of-life care.

When Is Palliative Care Appropriate?

Palliative care serves individuals with life-limiting illnesses, especially those who have experienced multiple hospitalizations or a decline in their ability to function independently. It can help people of all ages, not just seniors, by improving quality of life regardless of the illness stage.

If a chronic condition affects your loved one’s daily living or they have more frequent hospital visits, palliative care may be necessary for their comfort and overall well-being.

Who Makes Up the Palliative Care Team?

The palliative care team at Visiting Angels in Castle Rock includes dedicated professionals trained to provide compassionate and comprehensive care. Our team collaborates with various healthcare professionals such as:

• Doctors and nurses to address medical needs and manage symptoms.
• Social workers to assist with emotional and social aspects of care.
• Nutritionists to ensure proper dietary support.
• Massage therapists for physical comfort and relaxation.
• Pharmacists to manage medications effectively.
• Chaplains for spiritual support and guidance.

Our caregivers work closely with these professionals to provide day-to-day comfort and support and ensure that all aspects of palliative care are addressed effectively.

Benefits of Home-Based Palliative Care Services

Home-based palliative care offers many benefits for patients and their family members.

• Comfort and Familiarity: Remaining at home in a familiar environment cannot be matched by a nursing home. This helps patients feel more at ease and secure.
• Personalized Attention: Home-based care is tailored to the specific needs of your loved one and provides one-on-one support. In nursing homes, caregivers must divide their attention among many residents.
• Improved Quality of Life: Home care can ease the burden on family caregivers, allowing for more flexible visits and a less stressful environment. You can spend time with your loved one more often in their own home and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings.

Should Palliative Care Be Part of Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning is outlining your medical preferences and end-of-life wishes. Including palliative care ensures that your preferences for physical, emotional, and spiritual support are met and respected.

Palliative care can improve quality of life whether used in combination with curative treatments or when a cure is not possible. Clearly documenting your preferences as part of advance care planning can guide healthcare providers and loved ones in decision-making.

How to Access Palliative Care Services in Castle Rock

If you have a loved one that needs palliative care services in Castle Rock, Colorado, contact Visiting Angels at 720-981-0804. We offer compassionate, home health care care tailored to meet individual needs in the Denver area, including Centennial, Englewood, Evergreen, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Parker.

We provide a free home care consultation to learn about your loved one’s specific needs and develop a personalized care plan that enhances their comfort and overall quality of life.