A New Vision for Healthcare: Prioritizing Quality of Life and Compassion, from Palliative Care to Long-Term Planning

Challenging the Traditional Medical Model: Beyond Cure-Focused Care

As Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care physician and also a strong advocate for compassionate end-of-life care, has said, “Most people one way or another end up in our healthcare system. And for a few generations now, healthcare has become sort of the church, the family dining room table. You know, it’s become sort of the arbiter of many, many things, anything that relates to your health and wellbeing and life or death, including life and death.” This profound perspective is a powerful argument for looking beyond the traditional medical model, and also to move towards a more holistic and also compassionate approach to all aspects of healthcare. We must understand that quality medical care is not just about finding a cure, it is also about creating a plan that will improve all aspects of a patient’s life, and also to help them to be more comfortable and secure, even in the face of a terminal illness or a challenging medical diagnosis. It is not only about the physical aspects of our bodies, but also about our mental and spiritual needs as well. It is time to create a system that cares for the entire person, and also honors all of their individual and also unique requirements and preferences. By taking a proactive role, we can ensure that we are also creating a plan that will meet all of our long-term needs.

Many feel that the current healthcare model is often broken, and it is also often a challenging system for people to navigate. It is vital that we use this information to explore the ways that we can create real change, and also to create systems that are more compassionate, ethical, and also that promote better outcomes for everyone involved. It is also essential that you consider that this is not just about medical care, but also about the many financial and legal choices that must be made to ensure that we are truly taking control of our overall journey. By understanding all components of the healthcare system, we are also better able to create a future that is more predictable, ethical, and also more sustainable for all.

Palliative Care: A Focus on Quality of Life and Managing Suffering

According to Dr. Miller, “Palliative care… is a multidisciplinary pursuit of quality of life and the treatment of suffering, period.” This focus on quality of life, rather than solely on treating disease, is a key element of this type of care. He also explains, that “…you might have 50 years to live, you might have five minutes to live. It’s irrespective to us.” Here are the main components to understand about palliative care:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Palliative care involves a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and also chaplains who will work together to address the physical, emotional, and also spiritual needs of the patient and family. This team based approach is designed to provide holistic care that is focused on meeting all aspects of your individual needs and also your personal desires.
• Focus on Quality of Life: The focus is not only on treatment or the pursuit of a cure, but also on improving the overall comfort and well-being of the patient, and also to ensure that you are making the most of your time and your resources.
• Symptom Management: This includes also addressing the management of pain, and other symptoms, to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, and also that your symptoms are being managed with care and compassion, and also with the best available medical treatments.
• Patient and Family Centered Care: All decisions are made based on the patient’s personal values and also on their personal preferences, as well as the individual needs of their family.
• Holistic Care: Palliative care addresses all aspects of a person’s needs and also strives to provide support, and also resources that will be a benefit to both the patient and also their loved ones.

Palliative care offers a humane and also compassionate approach to health care, and also provides a pathway to focus on what matters the most to the patient. This is an important concept that must be considered when you are creating your own personal healthcare plan, and also when you are choosing who will be a part of your medical support network. Be sure that you understand the benefits of this approach, and also how it can be used to empower you to take more control of your health care choices.

The Misconception of Hospice: What You Need to Know

As Dr. Miller explained, “In the US, the hospice and palliative medicine is one field…since the 1980s in the US, hospice became an insurance designation, an insurance benefit.” It is not simply another term for palliative care, it has very specific requirements and also very limited access, depending on your individual health situation. Here are the key differences between hospice and palliative care:

• Hospice as an Insurance Benefit: It’s essential to know that hospice is a specific type of insurance coverage with specific requirements, rather than simply an approach to care that is applicable in all situations, and that it often requires a doctor to make a prognosis that determines if someone is actually eligible to receive these services.
• Time Restrictions: To qualify for hospice you often must have a prognosis of six months or less to live, which will prevent you from accessing hospice care if your medical condition is considered to be more long term.
• Giving Up Curative Treatment: Those who are seeking hospice care are often required to forego any curative treatments, and to also only focus on symptom management and end-of-life care.
• Focus on End-of-Life Care: Hospice is solely focused on end-of-life care rather than on the broader healthcare needs that may be more appropriate in other situations.

It is essential to fully understand all of the differences between hospice and palliative care, so that you are able to make the best decisions about your healthcare options, and also to take charge of your own personal planning journey. Do not be bound by the limitations of what is offered, instead take the time to learn more about all the options that are available to you, and to make choices that align with your individual needs and values. This knowledge is power, and it will help you to create a better future for you and also for all those that rely on your choices.

Integrating Palliative Care Into Your Long-Term Planning: A Holistic Approach

As you are planning for your long-term healthcare needs it is also important to create a system that allows you to receive both physical and also emotional and spiritual support as you are navigating your medical journey. Here’s how to incorporate palliative care into your planning:

• Explore All of Your Options: Understand the various types of palliative care services available in your area, and also take the time to explore how you may be able to access these types of care.
• Communicate Your Preferences: Communicate openly and clearly with your family and your medical team, about your specific goals, objectives, and also about all of your preferences for your medical care.
• Plan for Financial Resources: You must also take all steps to plan for the cost of palliative care and also to take steps to ensure that you have all of the financial resources that you need to meet those expenses.
• Create an Advance Directive: Create a legal document that will clearly outline your medical preferences and also to ensure that your healthcare choices are being managed by a trusted agent of your choosing.

By combining your healthcare goals with a comprehensive estate plan you will be creating a foundation for stability and also for ensuring that you are receiving the best quality of care that will help to support you in all aspects of your personal journey. It is essential to always be proactive and to never be afraid to seek support from qualified professionals who will be able to guide you as you are planning for all aspects of your future health and well-being. You have the power to create a future that meets all of your needs.

Wills.com: Supporting Your Holistic Planning Journey

At Wills.com, we believe that planning for the future should also take into account all aspects of your financial, legal, and also medical needs, and that is why we are committed to providing the resources and also the tools that will help you create a comprehensive plan that is aligned with your goals and also your personal objectives. You must always remember that all areas of your life are interrelated and also that when you take steps to improve one area, you are often also improving all aspects of your well-being.

Conclusion

By integrating a focus on palliative care into your broader financial and estate planning, you will be creating a plan that is also designed to support your long term well being, and also to protect your values and preferences for all aspects of your healthcare journey. Wills.com is committed to supporting you throughout all stages of your life, and also to helping you create a plan that is both compassionate and also effective for all of those who are depending on you. Let us guide you on the path towards a more meaningful and also more secure future.