List of Palliative Care Centres

What is palliative care?

Palliative care provides specialized medical support for individuals facing a severe illness like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, etc. Patients receiving palliative care may undergo treatments and therapies aimed at alleviating their symptoms. The primary goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their loved ones.

A palliative care team consists of several health care professionals, nurses, and additional members like social workers, dietitians, financial advisors, and spiritual counsellors that provide medical, social, emotional, and financial support to the patient and their family. This care is provided in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, specialized clinics, or sometimes at home.

Palliative care can include providing medication, suggesting dietary changes, offering stress management techniques, easing discomfort, providing emotional support, and offering other services. Each case requires a personalized care plan to meet individual needs.

Several palliative care centres in India are run by charitable organizations, trusts, and corporate entities, offering comprehensive care for patients with serious illnesses. Here are some charitable and trust-run palliative care centres:

• Shanti Avedna Sadan: This centre in Mumbai offers free services to terminally ill cancer patients. It provides essential pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care.
• Karunashraya: Situated in Bengaluru and managed by the Bangalore Hospice Trust, Karunashraya provides palliative care services to those in need. It focuses on offering holistic care to patients with advanced-stage illnesses.
• Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust: Based in Coimbatore, this trust-run centre provides palliative care services to patients with chronic illnesses. It aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families through pain management and comprehensive support.

Apollo Hospitals, Tata Memorial Centre, and HCG (Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd.) are prominent examples of corporate entities that operate palliative care centres in India.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Palliative care focuses on comforting patients receiving medical treatment for an illness. It can be given from diagnosis until medical professionals decide curative treatment is no longer an option.

Hospice care is initiated for patients diagnosed with a terminal illness that cannot be treated and has a life expectancy of six months or less. Its focus is to ensure the patient’s comfort and peace during their remaining days.

What services do palliative care centres provide?

Palliative care is tailored to each case, with treatments designed to meet the patient’s specific requirements and pain tolerance.

The palliative care team consistently communicates with the patient to determine the extent of their pain and any additional symptoms they may have. They use this information to assess and discuss appropriate treatment options together. Here are the key services typically offered by palliative care centres:

Symptom management

Pain relief: Helps manage pain through medications and other therapies. The palliative care team can offer hands-on care and teach helpful techniques to enhance overall well-being on a daily basis.

Alternative methods, such as tailored nutrition or breathing exercises, can be utilized to address the patient’s needs without depending on medication. In addition, the palliative care team may incorporate complementary therapies such as cognitive exercises, relaxation exercises, and meditation to target symptoms for further relief. 

If a patient is unable to communicate or express their pain or other distressing symptoms, the care team relies on pain assessment tools and their clinical expertise to provide relief from these symptoms.

Education and advocacy

The palliative care team can help patients and caregivers understand the condition and its potential future impacts. They also assist in exploring different treatment options to determine which ones align best with individual values, goals, and preferences. Being well-informed allows for better decision-making regarding care.

Emotional and psychological support

Counselling services: Providing psychological support to help patients and families cope with the emotional aspects of serious illness.

Support groups: Facilitating support groups for patients and family members to share experiences and support each other.

Spiritual care

Spiritual caregivers have meaningful conversations about their beliefs and worries with patients and their families. They listen carefully, providing comfort and support. By spending time with patients and families, they offer a comforting presence. These caregivers help individuals address personal questions and manage fears related to their illness or life in general.

Social services

Social work support: Assisting with practical needs, such as financial concerns, housing, and access to community resources.

Family support: Providing guidance and resources for family members to help them care for their loved one.

Financial and legal support

The palliative care team can connect patients with resources to ease legal and financial stressors associated with serious illness. They can also help with financial planning and arranging living accommodations at home, with a loved one, or in a care facility. Additionally, they provide access to legal resources for preparing power of attorney documents and living wills.

What do I need to keep in mind when looking for palliative care?

Selecting the right palliative care can be challenging. To simplify the process, consider these factors:

Assess needs: Evaluate the person’s specific needs, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. List symptoms, medication requirements, and any special care needed.

Research options: Investigate different palliative care options in the area, such as hospital-based programs, home care services, or specialized facilities. Gather information on their services, staff, and reputation.

Consult healthcare team: Seek recommendations from the healthcare team based on their experience and knowledge of local options.

Evaluate quality of care: Ensure the provider offers high-quality care by checking accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. Read reviews and testimonials to understand other patients’ experiences.

Meet the palliative care team: Schedule a meeting with the care team to discuss needs and expectations. Evaluate their communication skills, empathy, and professionalism to ensure comfort and confidence in their care.

Consider cost: Discuss costs, payment options, and available insurance coverage or financial assistance programs.

Location and accessibility: Choose a conveniently located and easily accessible provider to facilitate visits and support from loved ones.

Considering these factors, an informed decision can be made to find the right palliative care provider, ensuring the best possible quality of life.

References

1. National Institute on Aging. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
2. What Services Does Palliative Care Provide? Available from: https://www.vitas.com/care-services/palliative-care. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
3. Cleveland Clinic. Palliative Care. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22850-palliative-care . Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
4. EG healthcare. Tips for Choosing the Right Palliative Care. Available from: https://eghealthcare.net/tips-for-choosing-the-right-palliative-care/. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.