The Voice of Southwest Louisiana January 2019 Issue

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SWLA feature story Palliative Care 2019 By Dr. Christal Waller, APRN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC As we begin the New Year, let us end our discussion on end-of-life-care. We cannot complete this conversation without a clear understanding of three available programs designed to give the specialized care needed during this sensitive time in our life’s journey. Palliative, hospice and respite care are all programs that provide the expert care needed for you and your loved ones during this emotional time. Being a caregiver can be very difficult at times. It can impose tremendous emotional and physical challenges that can be exhausting. As you continue the splendid task of caregiver, you must take care of you. True or False? Palliative and hospice care are the same and are reserved only for patients dying with cancer. False: Palliative care is a program designed to provide comfort care for people with chronic or terminal illnesses. It can be done at home but is usually Dr. Christal Waller, APRN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC SWLA Center for Health Services - Oberlin 16 January 2019 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 6
Matthew 11:28 NIV – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” conducted in a facility. Under palliative care, a patient can receive curative treatment as well. Imminent death is not a requirement for palliative care; however, this type of health care is given to patients with poor prognoses who generally are experiencing a lot of pain. Hospice care on the other hand, can be provided in a facility, but is usually performed at home. This care is reserved for the patient with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Under hospice care, a team of healthcare providers will work together to provide the care necessary for your loved ones as they transition through this period of life. They will alleviate their pain and address all your concerns as the dying process transpires. Note that there are some hospice programs that may provide life-sustaining treatment and there are palliative care programs that provide end-of-life-care as well. An interview with my aunt Deborah Maldonaldo provided insight on the true meaning of being a caregiver, needing rest and the value of palliative and hospice care. When asked if she could have managed caring for her mother without hospice, she answered, Every time I think about putting mama’s experience with Asera Care (hospice agency) into words, it’s like my mind starts going to how she starved to death the last few days. It was so hard. But let me stick to the questions. First, there is no way in the world I could have done it without them. They gave me everything I needed without any out of pocket expense. Mama had Medicare and Medicaid so everything was covered. They sent me relief daily and all the pain medicine by the jugs. All the pads, diapers and their kind words were the most. They continued to applaud my service to my mom and were truly angels. I could go on and on but that’s all I can say without repeating how great this company was. The first company was horrible. Some of them had no compassion. I had to terminate their services. What I would like for people to know is that they are not stuck with one particular hospice program and if they are not satisfied, they can ask their provider to switch to another place. Respite care will give you opportunity for rest. As a new year’s tradition, many of us make resolutions and develop goals with the hope of becoming a better version of ourselves. For those who are caregivers for loved ones, I encourage you to take time to take care of yourself. Make this a top priority for this year. Respite care is unique in that serious or terminal illness is not a requirement to receive their services. If you have or care for a family member with disabilities or physical challenges who are unable to care for themselves, you would qualify for the services. Your loved ones may require skilled healthcare and leaving them with someone untrained to deliver this care would place them in an unsafe environment. Respite care can be utilized in this instance. Simply, it is designed to give you a break. Respite care can be provided at home or in a facility. The breaks can range from hours to weeks. It is not designed for extended care but for that small duration of time you need to rejuvenate and take care of you. They will stand in your place and provide all the services you provide including bathing, dressing and cleaning. Usually, these services are not covered by insurance but are generally reasonably priced. Some hospice programs provide respite care. If interested, contact your primary care provider or a hospice facility near you. In summary, if you are unsure which program to acquire, discuss the options with your loved one’s (or your) primary care provider to determine which program best meets your needs. Most insurance carriers cover both palliative and hospice programs. There may be some out-ofpocket expenses or none at all. Contact your insurance’s customer service department for detailed information including cost, covered services and in-network providers. Please do not do this alone. The end-of-life process should be peaceful for the patient and the caregiver too. Volume 6 • Number 6 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM January 2019 17
Page 1 and 2: January 2019 Vol 6 No 6 Be Prepared
Page 3 and 4: editor’s By Brenda Hill Be Prepar
Page 5 and 6: SWLA news Editor’s Note: This ser
Page 7 and 8: SWLA health, wealth & wellness Info
Page 9 and 10: Find more DOWN HOME HEALTHY COOKING
Page 11 and 12: techniques members can use to have
Page 13 and 14: Contributed Article Ben & Molly Mar
Page 15: ETR-Executive Total Realty is one o
Page 19 and 20: Committed to the highest level 3116
Page 21 and 22: “One thing I have learned about l
Page 23 and 24: Kimberly Singleton Drawhorn natural
Page 25 and 26: claiming those credits until at lea
Page 27 and 28: PHOTOGRAPHY MINISTER COURTNEY D. JO

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana January 2019 Issue

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