When terminal illnesses are diagnosed, many people choose to spend their remaining time at home and with their family as opposed to attempting any further treatments. There are a number of reasons that this decision is made. Some feel the potential side effects are too uncomfortable to risk and want to use the time they have left to enjoy their family. Others may choose to pass away naturally because they have lived a fulfilling life and do not want to leave behind extensive medical bills for their family. Regardless of why they have made the choice, the goal from that point on is to keep them comfortable and to assist their family members with the emotional experience they will be enduring.
A Palliative Care Nurse is a specialist that cares for this type of patient. They have the same medical knowledge and training as any other nurse but are not hired to use their skills to attempt to cure the patient. Instead, they work with the patient to help them have the greatest amount of quality of life possible in their particular circumstance. Pain management is a large part of this type of care, but there is much more involved.
Usually, the care is not provided by one individual, but a team of professionals who all have the same goal. They establish daily schedules that include a healthy diet and medication that has been adjusted to reduce symptoms like nausea and fatigue while also relieving pain. Since stress and depression are common in these circumstances, they also use therapeutic treatments to address these issues as well. Spiritual counseling is also included when it is desired by the patient.
A Palliative Care Nurse is someone that is often a part of hospice services. Families who are attempting to care for their loved one alone can look to hospices for relief from this overwhelming situation. Not only can these services take over occasionally to give family members a break, but they can also provide counseling. This helps family and friends come to terms with the decision their loved one has made and teaches them how they can also assist in making this end of life situation more comfortable.
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