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When a person faces a serious or terminal illness, one of the priorities is to ensure quality support that respects their dignity and comfort. Palliative care plays a crucial role in relieving pain and symptoms while offering emotional and psychological support. Traditionally provided in healthcare facilities such as hospitals or palliative care homes, these services are increasingly being offered at home, an alternative that presents numerous benefits for both the patient and their family. In this article, we will explore why home palliative care is becoming an increasingly preferred option and how it provides a valuable alternative to institutional care.
Comfort and security of home: a familiar environment
One of the main advantages of home palliative care is that the patient can remain in their own environment, surrounded by loved ones and familiar belongings. This has a significant impact on the patient's emotional well-being. Living in a familiar environment helps reduce the stress, anxiety, and confusion often associated with hospitals or care homes.
Mental and emotional well-being: Staying at home allows the patient to retain some control over their daily life and maintain a routine that is their own. This fosters greater inner peace and provides a sense of security that can be particularly soothing at an advanced stage of illness.
Presence of loved ones: At home, families can be more present, creating an emotional environment essential for the patient's psychological support. Visits from loved ones are easier and more frequent, strengthening emotional bonds and providing continuous support.
Personalized care tailored to individual needs
Home palliative care is extremely personalized, as it is tailored to each patient's specific needs. In collaboration with doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, home care allows for individualized monitoring focused on the patient's comfort and pain relief.
Patient-centered approach: Unlike care in institutions, where the needs of multiple patients must be addressed simultaneously, home palliative care allows for full attention on one person. This ensures more accurate symptom management, whether pain, nausea, fatigue, or other illness-related issues.
Flexibility and ongoing adjustments: Care can be adjusted as the patient's condition evolves. Regular follow-ups by professionals allow for re-evaluation of the situation, adaptation of treatments, and adjustment of care intensity, ensuring optimal management.
Respect for the dignity and autonomy of the patient
One of the core principles of palliative care is to preserve the patient's dignity throughout their journey. At home, the patient can continue to be involved in decisions about their care and disease management, which strengthens their autonomy and sense of control.
Preserved intimacy: Intimacy is a crucial aspect of palliative care. At home, patients can maintain a degree of privacy that is difficult to preserve in a healthcare facility, where spaces are often shared.
Fewer interruptions: In a hospital setting, the patient may constantly be disturbed by medical visits, procedures, or checks. At home, the pace of care can be calmer, respecting the patient's rest periods and reducing unnecessary interruptions in their daily routine.
Less stress and anxiety for the family
Home palliative care not only benefits the patient but also their family. Home-based care allows loved ones to actively participate in the care process and support their dear one in a more reassuring environment.
Strengthened family support: Family members can play a key role in providing care, while being supported by a professional medical team that ensures the necessary follow-up. This helps manage the stress and fatigue associated with caring for a loved one at the end of life. Additionally, staying at home allows for moments of intimacy and tenderness between the patient and their family, away from external observers.
Psychological support for the family: Many home palliative care services also include psychological support for family members. A counselor or therapist can help loved ones cope with the emotions related to illness, end of life, and accompanying the patient.
Reduced risk of infections and complications
One downside of institutional care is the exposure to hospital-acquired infections, which can be a significant risk for vulnerable patients. Home palliative care reduces this exposure considerably.
Safer environment: At home, the patient is less exposed to infections from other patients. Additionally, the home care team takes all necessary precautions to prevent contamination and ensure the environment is as clean and safe as possible.
Close monitoring: Although the patient is at home, regular follow-up by the care team allows for quick detection of any potential complications and adjustment of care accordingly, reducing the risk of severe complications.
Potentially lower cost
Home palliative care can also provide a more cost-effective alternative to institutional care. While the cost of home care can vary depending on needs, it is often lower than hospital care, particularly when the patient does not require continuous monitoring in a hospital setting.
Resource optimization: Home care allows medical resources to be focused on what is strictly necessary, eliminating costs associated with the infrastructure of a facility, such as accommodation or hospital management fees.
Conclusion: Home palliative care, a human-centered and tailored optionHome palliative care offers a respectful, humane, and effective alternative to institutional care. By allowing the patient to remain in their familiar environment and ensuring personalized care tailored to their needs, these services provide a considerable quality of life at a delicate time. Furthermore, they promote a serene management of end-of-life, while offering crucial support to families.
Home palliative care is not just a comfort option but a choice that respects the patient's dignity and allows them to live their final moments peacefully, surrounded by the affection of their loved ones. With specialized professionals such as those from Asicc Santé Mobile, these services are delivered with expertise, compassion, and respect.
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