A patient suffering from a chronic illness needs constant care to minimize pain and discomfort. The palliative care services aim to offer long-term care to such patients for pain management and improving the quality of life.

Such services can offer physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual guidance that is necessary to enhance the impact of medical treatments.

Stages of palliative care services

The typical palliative care system has five distinct stages

Stage #1: Stable

This is the first stage of the care system that designs and creating specific treatment plans that meet the needs of the patient. The patient, the family members, and the care team will work together to identify the medical and physical needs of the patient.

The objective is to develop a plan of care that addresses the existing symptoms and health issues.

Stage #2: Unstable

The name itself implies that this is the stage when the condition of the patient starts to show deterioration. The present symptoms will worsen and other medical problems may arise. In fact, the palliative care services remain prepared to learn about unexpected medical
complications.

And this is the time when the care team has to work hard to offer mental support to the patient and the family.

Stage #3: Deterioration

Although you know that the patient’s condition will deteriorate it's difficult to watch the gradual decline in the health and overall physical functions.

• The illness progresses at a faster pace and severe medical conditions can develop.

• The patient and the family members will be in distress due to the worsening of their health conditions.

Therefore, emotional support from the palliative care team is absolutely essential at this stage.

Stage #4: Terminal

And this signifies the “end of life.” It translates to the period where the patient and the family members know that a few days are left before the final departure. The physical and mental care will continue but the problems will grow deeper.

• Constant assessment is essential for which you need the professional care team

• The patient can get bedridden or suffer from serious mobility issues

• Patients have problems swallowing medications

• Loss of appetite which can lead to a complete decline form food intake

• Severe prognosis leading to daily medical needs.

It's going to be the toughest time and you cannot manage it without help from the team of palliative care.

Stage #5: Bereavement support from palliative care services

It’s never easy to accept the death of the loved one. But this stage marks the final departure of your near one. You may not be in a mental situation to think, decide or make plans.

So, the palliative care, Dementia and alzheimer care services will help in the different aspects like

• Providing emotional support to accept the grief and loss.

• Spiritual support is available from the rabbi, priests, or pastors.

• Psychological support, a common one, can help to get over the grief and trauma of the loss.

The support system is the only reason why the family can slowly get back to a normal life. Time cannot heal all wounds if the wound remains deep inside. So, allow the palliative personal care services to provide constant support to face the death of a dear one.