When is the right time? 5 Signs It’s Time to Start Talking About Palliative Care with Your Loved Ones

The decision to begin palliative care is not an easy one. Many families often ask , “When is the right time?” This is especially true for caregivers who must care for loved ones with chronic illnesses or who are facing serious or incurable conditions, witnessing the progression of the disease day by day. Recognizing the signs early on can help alleviate suffering and discomfort, reduce unnecessary or inappropriate treatments that do not align with the patient’s needs and wishes, and provide peace of mind, happiness, and a better quality of life for everyone around the patient.

Koon, who specializes in palliative care, focuses on significantly improving the quality of life for patients and their families - physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually - especially for patients with conditions that cannot be completely cured and whose symptoms have diminished their quality of life. This includes patients in the terminal and advanced stages of diseases such as advanced cancer advanced-stage cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, chronic heart disease, lung disease, end-stage kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, end-stage liver cirrhosis, bedridden patients, and ICU patients who are frequently admitted to and discharged from the hospital and patients recovering from surgery, among others. We have therefore compiled five key signs that close caregivers should begin to observe and pay attention to in order to prepare for advance care planning, communicate with your loved ones, and begin palliative care as soon as the patient is able to communicate.

What are the signs that indicate it is time to start palliative care?

1. Frequent Hospitalizations If your loved one is frequently admitted to and discharged from the hospital and is unable to manage their symptoms, it may be time to prioritize “a good quality of life and physical and emotional well-being.” Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms that cause discomfort, with an emphasis on ensuring your loved one’s quality of life and well-being every day.

2. Managing pain and discomfort at home is no longer feasible. If a loved one is facing a terminal illness and is experiencing pain or discomfort that cannot be managed or alleviated at home, this is a sign that it’s time to consult with and plan care with a palliative care specialist. They will help develop a personalized care plan to reduce suffering and promote well-being and peace of mind for both the patient and their family caregivers.

3. As the disease progresses, patients find it increasingly difficult to perform their daily activities , leading to various discomforts in daily life - such as eating, walking, and communicating. Palliative care provides comprehensive care that addresses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, enabling families to adapt to and cope with these changes with understanding and in a timely manner, without having to wait until the end-of-life stage or when no further treatment options remain.

4. Family members experience stress and emotional strain, and caregivers often face exhaustion, stress, or even burnout. Palliative care does not focus solely on the patient; it also supports family members by promoting mental well-being, providing counseling and guidance, and helping to alleviate their concerns.

5. The goal is to shift the focus from treatment to care that promotes comfort and well-being. When a family wishes to receive palliative care alongside primary treatment, the medical team will help align medical decisions with the wishes of the patient and their family, emphasizing comfort, respect for human dignity, the value and meaning of life, and the precious time spent together.

Recognizing and understanding these five signs will help families feel confident about initiating conversations about palliative care and communicating their wishes in advance. This is because palliative care is not about giving up or ending treatment, but about prioritizing the quality of life for your loved one It reduces the burden on caregivers and respects the patient’s true wishes. When palliative care is accessed early on, all family members involved have the opportunity to discuss, communicate, and prepare to design a care plan based on mutual understanding, prioritizing the happiness and quality of life of the person they love most.

 

 

Reference :

Koon Hospital When is the right time? 5 Signs It’s Time to Start Talking About Palliative Care with Your Loved Ones
ArokaGO Providers KOON Palliative Care Specialised Hospital