Palliative Care: Increasing Quality of Life for Dementia Patients

Living with dementia is challenging for both those who have the condition and their loved ones and friends. When your loved one is struggling with dementia, the changes in their behavior can add extra stress to any situation. Integrating palliative care into the treatment approach can enhance the lives of dementia patients. This type of care aids in alleviating symptoms, improving comfort, and promoting the overall welfare of your beloved family member.

Let’s learn how palliative care helps keep your loved ones happier and healthier.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care and effective pain management help people with chronic illnesses like dementia—but is also a comprehensive approach for anyone who is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. It prioritizes holistic care by effectively managing symptoms, attending to psychological needs, and delivering high-quality support. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can help people with all stages of chronic illnesses.

Palliative Care for Dementia

Managing pain and providing support through early palliative care can improve the quality of life for people with dementia. Palliative care has the following benefits:

1. Symptom Management and Comfort

Dementia often presents various physical and psychological symptoms that can cause discomfort and distress. Palliative care focuses on managing pain and behavioral symptoms to enhance the overall comfort of your loved ones. By utilizing a comprehensive approach, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans to meet individual needs, ensuring the highest comfort level for dementia patients.

Some pain management options that we offer include acupuncture, heat and cold therapy, and occupational therapy.

2. Addressing Emotional and Psychological Needs

Social workers that provide palliative care can help you assess and manage depression, anxiety, and other conditions that may arise due to dementia. You can also add counseling and therapy to help your loved ones find solace and maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth.

3. Support for Family Caregivers

Since caring for a loved one with dementia affects you and other caregivers, palliative care professionals can help improve your overall well-being by providing support, education, and respite services. With self-care support, you can maintain good health and equilibrium to continue providing care for your beloved family member.

4. Advanced Care Planning and Decision-Making

Your loved one may have trouble thinking clearly and expressing their preferences as dementia worsens. Palliative care specialists can help you plan and make decisions about end-of-life care. By starting these conversations early, you show that you respect your loved one’s preferences and worldviews. This approach ensures that they retain control over their care throughout the progression of the disease.

Caring for your loved one with dementia can take a toll on you, so you might need a support system to help you along the way. If you are in California, you can contact Bonita Springs Healthcare Services for expert palliative care solutions. Our caring team will evaluate your unique needs to offer personalized support. We will also help manage chronic illnesses’ symptoms to improve your loved one’s comfort. Contact us to learn more!