Many people receive care that is against their desires and passes away in places like hospitals or nursing homes. Senior citizens must make arrangements and communicate their end-of-life desires to their caretakers, physicians, and family members. It is less
probable that an older adult will pass away in a hospital undergoing
unnecessary treatments if they let their family and caregivers know they prefer
to pass away at home, receiving end-of-life care for pain and other symptoms.

A caregiver or family member may need to make decisions regarding the patient's health care if they cannot do it themselves. The older person's willingness to seek life-extension treatments, the amount of time they have left to live, and the desired setting
for care are some aspects caregivers must consider when selecting end-of-life
care.

Palliative care: what is it?

A serious condition like cancer or heart failure requires specialized medical care called palliative care. In addition to treatment meant to cure their serious illness, patients in palliative care may also get medical care for their symptoms or palliative
care. Palliative care focuses on improving a person's current care by
emphasizing their and their family's quality of life.

To get palliative care, one does not have to stop receiving treatment that could cure a severe illness. Palliative care services can be given in addition to curative therapy and may get started immediately. There are two options if the physician or the palliative
care team eventually feels that further therapy is no longer beneficial. If the
doctor predicts the patient will pass away within six months, palliative care
may switch to hospice care (see What does the hospice six-month threshold
mean?). The palliative care team may also continue to assist while emphasizing
comfort measures more strongly.

Palliative treatment is beneficial for whom?

Anyone coping with a severe condition, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and many others, can benefit from palliative care. Palliative care is best given shortly after a person is
diagnosed and can be beneficial at any stage of their disease.

Palliative care can assist patients in understanding their options for medical care, enhancing the quality of life and easing symptoms. Any senior experiencing a great deal of general discomfort and incapacity in their later years may find the coordinated
services provided by palliative care helpful.

What is a palliative team?

A palliative care team comprises specialists who collaborate with the patient, family, and other medical experts to offer medical, social, emotional, and practical assistance. Along with doctors and nurses specializing in palliative care, the team often
includes social workers, nutritionists, and chaplains. Depending on their needs
and quality of care, a person's team may change. A patient may be referred to a
palliative care expert by their medical professional to begin receiving
palliative care. The patient can request a recommendation from a healthcare
professional if they do not make one themselves.

Where can you get palliative care?

Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient palliative care, Dementia and alzheimer care services, specialist clinics, and private residences can offer palliative care. Palliative care may be covered by insurance plans,
Medicare, and Medicaid.

Lastly:

Several personal care services might be covered by private health insurance. Health insurance companies can answer questions regarding what their policies will cover.