Q: My mother is going in and out of the hospital for chronic health care needs. When should we look into palliative care?
A: In the United States, approximately 1.9 million Americans are elderly and confined to their residence. Those Americans typically have one or more chronic diseases and find it hard to manage them. Americans who are unable to control their illnesses are admitted and released from the hospital frequently. The days following the return from the hospital are critical to the overall health of the patient.
Patients who have chronic medical conditions and are homebound need access to quality health care. The transition of care is something most people do not think about until placed in a situation where it is necessary. Older adults with multiple chronic conditions are in and out of medical facilities frequently and need to have a high-quality transition of care plan. Evidence shows that a poor transition from hospital to home can lead to adverse medical events that can put the patient back in the hospital.
Finding a health care provider specializing in palliative care is useful. Palliative care is medical care focused on providing relief to patients suffering from pain and other illness symptoms. The provider works with patients and their families to create an advanced care plan focusing on the health care the patient wants to receive when facing a medical crisis. Anyone with major or life-threatening illnesses is eligible for palliative care. Talking with a primary care physician can help create a game plan for patients in this category.