Can Palliative Care Be Done at Home?

Yes, palliative care can be done at home. In fact, many patients prefer receiving palliative care in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by family and familiar surroundings. With home-based palliative care, individuals receive comprehensive support to address their physical, emotional and spiritual needs while coping with illness.

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and chronic conditions. Its holistic approach combines comprehensive symptom management and medical care with emotional and spiritual support. Unlike hospice services, palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care and proves beneficial at any stage of illness alongside curative treatments.

Palliative care aims to alleviate pain, control symptoms and reduce the stress chronic conditions can cause. Home-based palliative care allows individuals to receive this support in their own environment, imparting a sense of comfort during challenging times. Patients with the following conditions or illnesses benefit from palliative care:

• Cancer
• Blood and bone marrow disorders
• Heart disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dementia
• End-stage liver disease
• Kidney failure
• Lung disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke

Studies show that home-based palliative care offers several advantages. First, it enables patients to remain in a familiar and comfortable setting, which can significantly enhance their emotional well-being. Additionally, home-based palliative care provides a high level of personalization. Health care professionals, including doctors, nurses and home health aides, regularly visit to manage symptoms, monitor the patient's condition and adjust treatment plans as needed. This approach ensures the care remains consistent with an individual's needs and preferences.

Family members also benefit from palliative care in home-based settings. This approach allows for more family involvement in their loved one's care, which can provide emotional support and strengthen family bonds during a difficult time. Moreover, family caregivers receive professional guidance and respite, helping them manage responsibilities more effectively.

Implementing palliative care at home requires coordination among health care providers, patients and family members. It typically involves a team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains who work together to create a comprehensive care plan. This team-based approach ensures care plans address all aspects of the patient's well-being, from the medical and physical demands of their condition to emotional and spiritual needs.

To arrange for home-based palliative care, speak with your loved one's health care provider. They can discuss your options and refer you to reputable palliative care services in your area. Costs for these services often fall under the coverage of programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and private long-term care insurance plans. Families also look to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's CaringInfo program for additional support and to access free resources and information about palliative care.