palliative care

palliative care Corners

  1. First Corner. A doctor and nurse practitioner, who cover medical issues.

  2. Second Corner. A social worker, who handles the familial, practical, and sociological aspects of a patient’s life.

  3. Third Corner. A specialist or psychologist, who covers a patient’s emotional and psychological needs.

  4. Fourth Corner. A chaplain and spiritual care advisor, who explores meaning and purpose, assesses spiritual needs, and asks if the patient has a faith community or support team in place.

    Palliative treatments vary widely and often include:

    1. Medication

    2. Nutritional changes

    3. Relaxation techniques

    4. Emotional and spiritual support

    5. Support for children or family caregivers

Social

You might find it hard to talk with your loved ones or caregivers about how you feel or what you are going through. Or you might need a support group or a ride to and from treatment. A social worker can help with these situations. For example, they can:

  • Help you plan a family meeting

  • Suggest ways to organize people who want to help

  • Help you find medical information, rides, or services

A social worker can also provide palliative care for family members and caregivers. For example, if they feel overwhelmed, the social worker can help them figure out what kind of help they need and find it.

Emotional

Having cancer can make you feel many different emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger. It can also make you very stressed. A support group, counselor, psychologist or other specialist can help you understand and cope with these emotions.

To find help, talk with your health care team about how you feel. You can also find ways to cope with emotions.

Spiritual

Having cancer can bring up many spiritual questions. You might struggle to understand why you got cancer. Or you might want a greater purpose after surviving cancer.

If you belong to a faith community such as a church, synagogue, or other group, your spiritual leader or community members might be able to help support you spiritually. A hospital chaplain can also provide spiritual support, whether you are religious or not. Chaplains work with people of all faiths and those who do not have a specific faith. Learn more about spiritual support.

spiritual assessment

Mental

Cancer symptoms, treatments, and medications can all affect how your mind works. For example, if you are not sleeping enough, you might feel stressed and have a hard time thinking clearly. Or you might be very anxious about whether your treatment is working.

Palliative care for mental health includes exercise, counseling, meditation, and possibly medication to help with anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. A counselor, support group leader, or psychologist might suggest that you do activities that help you reduce stress and anxiety, such as yoga, creating art, joining a group of other cancer survivors, or volunteering for a cause you find meaningful.

Financial

Cancer treatment can be expensive. This might be a cause of stress and anxiety for you and your family. In addition to treatment costs, you might find that you have other extra expenses, such as the cost of traveling to a cancer center for care.

Talk with your health care team about any financial concerns. A social worker or financial counselor can provide palliative care for these concerns. For example, they might:

  • Help you talk with your health care team about the cost of care

  • Explain billing and insurance, or find someone who can do this

  • Help you apply for medical leave or disability payments

  • Find programs that provide free or low-cost medicines

Learn more about managing financial considerations.

Physical

Physical side effects of cancer and its treatment depend on several factors. These include your type of cancer, its stage, the treatment, and your general health. Physical side effects can include:

  • Pain

  • Fatigue (being very tired)

  • Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

  • Breathing problems, such as being short of breath

  • Sleep problems

Palliative care for physical side effects might include anti-nausea medicines, physical therapy, or help with nutrition. You might see a palliative care specialist, sleep specialist, pain specialist, or another professional for help with physical side effects.