4 Benefits of Palliative Care at Home

Did you know palliative care is an option at home? More than six million people in the U.S. could benefit from palliative care, and, according to the Center to Advance Palliative Care, thousands received it at home last year. Research shows that being cared for at home enhances quality of life because it is usually consistent with one’s life goals. As a physician with over 35 years of experience in emergency medicine, palliative and end-of-life care, I have first-hand knowledge about the benefits of being cared for at home rather than in a hospital or facility.

When you are dealing with a complex or terminal illness, it can be so much more comforting to be at home, in familiar surroundings, and around loved ones, rather than alone in a hospital or nursing facility, This familiarity has a profound impact on emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of safety and security. In addition, receiving medical care at home offers a highly personalized experience. Unlike the hospital or nursing facility, in-home care allows medical professionals to tailor their services to your unique needs and preferences. Care plans are designed to address specific symptoms, align with your treatment goals and wishes, and ideally accommodate individual cultural and spiritual practices. This level of personalization and customization will ensure that you feel seen, heard, and valued.

Embracing the Comfort of Home

Experienced doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, caregivers and doulas can collaborate together and with other healthcare providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care at home. This collaborative approach minimizes communication gaps and ensures that every aspect of your health is addressed proactively and comprehensively. A more holistic approach to care is possible at home because the team can address emotional and psychological needs as well as physical needs. You can receive expert guidance as you navigate complex medical decisions related to your illness as well as emotional and spiritual support for yourself and your loved ones in coping with the associated stress, anxiety, and fear.

This collaborative environment supports and strengthens family relationships by allowing for more family involvement in the care plan. Family caregivers often play a significant role in supporting loved ones with serious illnesses, and when a loved one is hospitalized or in a facility, they are usually given too little information and have too little influence over the care. Home-based palliative care allows family members to partner with healthcare providers in a more meaningful and beneficial way.

4 Benefits Palliative Care at Home Provides

While being at home can be more comfortable and, at times safer, leaving the hospital or another healthcare facility can also be scary and stressful. It is critical to find help you can trust, to understand what treatments you will be able to receive (such as lab tests, x-rays, IV fluids, antibiotics, etc.) and who you can reach when you have questions or concerns. The goal is to find an experienced and responsive home-based palliative care team that will ensure you or your loved one is cared for comfortably and safely. When this happens, you will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Reduced Stress: Receiving palliative care in your home reduces stress for everyone involved because you are surrounded by your personal belongings, including your favorite art, your favorite recliner, and especially your loved ones. In addition, research shows that those living with a serious illness who spend more time at home than in institutional care facilities typically experience less anxiety and greater peace.

2. Preserves Independence: In-home medical care preserves independence and autonomy because you can maintain greater control over your daily routines and activities. Even though you may be struggling with a complex illness, you can still experience a sense of independence at home.

3. Increases Quality of Life: Personalized and coordinated medical care at home increases the quality of life because you are more likely to receive holistic care that is considerate of all your needs — physical, emotional and spiritual. In addition, companionship and social interaction from loved ones and caregivers at home reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that often come with a serious illness and are exacerbated in an institutional setting.

4. Empowers Personal Choices: Patients and families are empowered to make choices that align with their wishes. More time is spent with experienced palliative care medical professionals in the home discussing important topics like goals of care and end-of-life options and planning accordingly.

The journey through a serious illness is deeply personal, and the environment in which care is received plays a crucial role in shaping that experience. The current healthcare system does not adequately support patients and families through complex and terminal illnesses. There is a need to support people at home better. Palliative care at home offers a compassionate and practical solution, enabling you to focus on quality of life and the moments that matter most.