Can Palliative Care Be Given at Home?

Yes, palliative care can be given at home. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms of a serious illness, supporting both the patient and their family. Home-based palliative care allows individuals to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment while receiving medical, spiritual and emotional care.

Palliative care serves as a specialized medical service that focuses on providing relief from the physical symptoms and emotional burden of serious illness. Unlike hospice care, which typically occurs in end-of-life scenarios, palliative care proves appropriate for individuals at any stage of illness. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families during this challenging time. It involves the efforts of an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals, typically consisting of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers and spiritual advisors or chaplains. Palliative care benefits individuals with:

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

Home-based palliative care continues to increase in popularity due to its numerous benefits. It allows individuals to stay in their own homes, surrounded by loved ones while they receive care. In this setting, individuals can maintain a sense of normalcy and control over their lives, which can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. Additionally, home-based care is often more flexible and personalized compared to institutionalized care in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals.

Moreover, receiving palliative care at home can reduce the need for hospital visits and admissions, which often become physically and emotionally taxing for both patients and their families. It also promotes continuity of care, as the same team of healthcare professionals regularly monitors the individual's condition, adjusting the care plan as needed. Numerous studies show that home-based palliative care leads to better symptom management and higher patient satisfaction.

While palliative care at home benefits many individuals, it isn't suitable for everyone. Patients with complex medical needs that require advanced equipment or around-the-clock monitoring may require inpatient palliative care. Additionally, the availability of home-based palliative care varies depending on your region and its health care system. Speak with your loved one's health care provider or contact your local Area Agency on Aging for information about services available in your area.

Family members play a central role in home-based palliative care scenarios as they typically serve as primary caregivers, providing day-to-day assistance and emotional support. Home-based palliative care teams can offer much-needed respite for these individuals. Families should speak with health care professionals about any necessary training or education to best serve their loved one's needs and visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's CaringInfo program for additional information and resources.