Dealing with the symptoms of any painful or serious illness can be one of life’s most difficult experiences. That’s why, at American Hospital Dubai, we provide extra special care that can ease health-related journeys for individuals and their families and help to make you more comfortable. This especially tender branch of health science is called palliative care.
Palliative care is a central part of treatment for particularly serious or life-threatening illnesses. You can receive palliative care at the same time that you’re receiving treatments for your illness. Its primary purpose is to relieve the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing to improve your quality of life.
Palliative care encompasses comprehensive treatment for the discomfort, symptoms and distress brought on by serious illness. It does not replace your primary treatment, but works in conjunction with the primary treatment you are already receiving. The goal is to prevent or ease suffering and to improve your quality of life.
At American Hospital Dubai, palliative care is provided by a team of professionals, including:
Many adults living with illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, advanced dementia, lung disease, kidney failure, cystic fibrosis, among others, experience physical symptoms and emotional distress related to their diseases. You may want to consider palliative care if you or your loved one: Palliative care is available to you at any time during your illness. Remember that you can receive palliative care at the same time you receive treatments that are meant to cure your illness. Its availability does not depend upon whether or not your condition can be cured. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and improve your quality of life.
Palliative care supports you and those who love you by maximizing your comfort. It also helps you set goals for the future that lead to a meaningful, enjoyable life while you being treated for your illness. There are various ways in which palliative care can be of comfort. Together with your primary health care provider, your palliative care team at American Hospital Dubai will combine vigorous pain and symptom control into every part of your treatment. Team members will also spend as much time with you and your family as it takes to help you fully understand your condition, the various care options available to you, amongst other needs. They will also make sure that your transition between the Hospital and other services, such as home care or nursing facilities, is a smooth experience. The result is a well-planned, complete treatment for all of your symptoms throughout your illness – taking care of you in your present condition and also anticipating your future needs. Researchers have studied the positive effects that palliative care has on patients, reporting significant improvements in terms of:
