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Palliative Care Transition

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Understanding Palliative Care and the Transition from Hospital to Home

"Palliative" is a word that means to soothe or relieve. "Palliative care" refers to a team of specialists working together to offer comfort and support to people with serious health-related issues outside of the hospital setting. Palliative care is often confused with hospice care since the two offer very similar services. The biggest difference lies in the time the services are offered, the eligibility for the services and the payment options available. With palliative care, there are no time restrictions on services and they can be received at any time. Since the services are not related to terminal illness, parallel curative-services are available as well.

Palliative care is available for patients of any age and with any medical condition. Some of the most common conditions are cancer; heart, kidney or liver disease; dementia and multiple injuries requiring long-term care. Studies have concluded that effective and timely palliative care not only increases a person's quality of life and …show more content…
A study published in the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing (2011, vol. 13, issue 6) noted that the most difficult problems "include lapses in quality and patient safety, gaps in communication between hospital and home-care providers, less than ideal patient handoffs, ill-prepared family caregivers, and confusion regarding coordination of care." The good news is that most of the problems can be avoided with a solid plan, forethought, and good, honest communication, especially between the family and medical staff who "frequently overestimate patient/family knowledge and capabilities." It is extremely important that palliative care providers know the realistic strengths and limitations of your loved one's friends and family. This includes abilities to lift, change dressings, use equipment, and even

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