When James was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at 68, he felt overwhelmed. His doctors prescribed multiple medications, recommended lifestyle changes, and scheduled regular follow-up appointments. Despite this comprehensive medical treatment, James still struggled with shortness of breath, fatigue, and increasing anxiety about his future. “I’m getting all this medical care,” he told his daughter, “but nobody is helping me live with this disease.”

James’s experience is common among those with chronic illnesses throughout the Wasatch Front and beyond. While traditional medical care focuses on treating the disease itself, many patients find themselves needing additional support to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. This is where palliative care comes in—a specialized approach that works alongside traditional treatment to address the whole person, not just the disease.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, COPD, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic conditions. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, treating issues that can include “pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.” Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and alongside curative treatments.

How Palliative Care Differs from Hospice Care

Many people confuse palliative care with hospice care, but there are important differences:

  • Timing: Palliative care can begin at any time during illness, while hospice care is specifically for those nearing the end of life—typically with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course.
  • Treatment Goals: Palliative care focuses on maintaining quality of life while managing treatment and other needs, while hospice care specifically focuses on comfort during the period closest to death.
  • Compatibility with Other Treatments: Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, while hospice typically involves stopping curative efforts to focus on comfort.
  • Coverage: Hospice costs are typically 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans for qualifying patients, while palliative care coverage can vary depending on insurance.

The Benefits of Palliative Care for Chronic Illnesses

Palliative care offers numerous benefits for patients with chronic illnesses and their families:

Improved Symptom Management

Chronic illnesses often come with challenging symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. Palliative care specialists are experts in managing these symptoms.

For heart disease patients like James, this might include addressing:

  • Shortness of breath and chest pain
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Swelling in the legs and feet
  • Anxiety related to symptoms and prognosis

For cancer patients, palliative care can help with:

  • Pain management
  • Nausea and vomiting from treatments
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Emotional distress

For those with COPD, palliative care focuses on:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Anxiety related to breathing problems
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Prevention of flare-ups

For dementia patients, palliative care can address:

  • Depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping
  • Maintaining routine and creating a calm environment
  • Managing other medical conditions that may cause pain or stress

Enhanced Quality of Life

Beyond symptom management, palliative care aims to improve overall quality of life. This includes helping patients maintain independence, continue meaningful activities, and find joy despite their illness.

“After starting palliative care, I felt like a person again, not just a patient,” James shared. “My palliative care team helped me find ways to still enjoy fishing with my grandson, even with my limitations. They gave me back parts of my life I thought were gone forever.”

Reduced Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations

Palliative care serves as “an extra layer of support” that can reduce hospitalizations and the length of hospital stays for patients with chronic conditions. By better managing symptoms at home and having a team to call when issues arise, patients can often avoid emergency situations that lead to hospital visits.

Better Coordination of Care

Patients with chronic illnesses often see multiple specialists, take numerous medications, and undergo various treatments. The palliative care team helps coordinate all aspects of care, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goals and that treatments don’t conflict.

Support for Family Caregivers

Chronic illness affects not just the patient but the entire family, especially those providing care. Palliative care teams “can also help you navigate the added stress and responsibilities that often accompany serious illnesses.” This might include:

  • Education about the illness and how to provide care
  • Respite care to prevent burnout
  • Emotional support and counseling
  • Help navigating the healthcare system
  • Assistance with difficult decisions

The Palliative Care Team

Palliative care uses a team approach to provide comprehensive support. This team typically includes:

  • Physicians specializing in palliative medicine
  • Nurses with advanced training in symptom management
  • Social workers to help with practical and emotional needs
  • Chaplains or spiritual counselors
  • Pharmacists to optimize medication management
  • Physical and occupational therapists
  • Nutritionists
  • Other specialists as needed

This team works closely with your primary doctors and specialists to ensure coordinated care that aligns with your goals and values.

When to Consider Palliative Care

Palliative care can benefit patients at any stage of chronic illness, but it’s particularly valuable when:

  • Symptoms are difficult to control despite treatment
  • Quality of life is significantly affected
  • You’ve been hospitalized multiple times
  • You need help navigating complex treatment decisions
  • You want additional support for yourself and your family

Palliative care is “required for a wide range of diseases” including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, AIDS, diabetes, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological diseases, dementia, and other conditions.

How Inspiration Hospice Can Help

At Inspiration Hospice, we understand the challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses throughout the Wasatch Front. Our palliative care program provides specialized support to help you live as fully as possible while managing your illness.

Our team of expert clinicians works closely with your existing healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re dealing with heart disease, COPD, cancer, dementia, or another chronic condition, we’re here to help improve your quality of life.

James found that adding palliative care to his treatment plan made a significant difference. “My heart condition hasn’t gone away,” he says, “but now I have the support I need to live with it. My palliative care team helps me manage my symptoms and has given me tools to cope with the emotional aspects of my illness. Most importantly, they’ve helped me focus on what matters most—spending quality time with my family and doing the things I love for as long as possible.”

If you or a loved one is living with a chronic illness and could benefit from additional support, contact Inspiration Hospice at (385) 247-2020 or visit www.inspirationhospice.com to learn more about our palliative care services. Our team is ready to help you navigate the challenges of serious illness with compassion and expertise.