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Can I Receive Palliative Care at Home?
Palliative care is available in a variety of settings, including at home. Although palliative care is frequently associated with settings such as nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals, it is becoming […]
Palliative care is available in a variety of settings, including at home. Although palliative care is frequently associated with settings such as nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals, it is becoming increasingly popular for patients to receive palliative care in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. It’s important to note, however, that not all healthcare providers who offer palliative care to hospitalized patients offer the service after discharge.
Depending on the needs of the patient, care may be administered by an entire palliative care team or by one palliative care service provider. Visits from these medical providers may occur at a set cadence depending on individual needs and the condition that is being treated. Receiving palliative care at home does not limit access to other services.. Some of the common palliative care interventions used in home settings include:
- Symptom management and tracking
- Specialized therapy
- Medication, including pain management
- Patient and family education
- Medical evaluations
- Skilled nursing
- Spiritual guidance (usually from a chaplain)
- Assistance with meals and daily activities
Most palliative care services also include a nurse advice line that is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that both the patient and their caregiver receive ongoing support and have access to appropriate guidance when it is most needed. For example, if a caregiver is uncertain of whether a new symptom or medical concern requires emergency assistance, contacting the advice line and speaking with a nurse can provide a quick confirmation and potential next steps.
Those who are interested in potentially receiving palliative care at home are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider or current palliative care team. These medical professionals will assess patient needs to determine whether receiving home-based palliative care is appropriate. Additional consultation with a health insurance provider is recommended to ensure that any care approved by the team is covered as the patient transitions from the hospital or clinic to a household setting.
Sources
“What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care?” National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care
“What Is Palliative Home Care? Understanding What to Expect”. A Place for Mom. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/palliative-care#palliative-care-at-home
“Palliative care can help you stay safely at home”. Get Palliative Care. https://getpalliativecare.org/palliative-care-can-help-stay-safely-home-2/
