Improving Quality of Life with Supportive Care

Submitted by Hospice of Marion County

All of us deserve to live as comfortably as possible; however, when an accident, sudden illness or chronic condition takes hold of our lives, comfort may seem impossible or out of reach. In the past decade, hope for relief from acute pain and distressing symptoms has become a reality and within reach, thanks to a growing trend in supportive care.

Supportive Care is comforting, soothing, calming and reassuring. It should not be confused with quick fixes offered in so-called “pain clinic” settings. Supportive Care is specialized medical care for people with serious conditions. Its focus is to provide relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress that entails—whatever the cause or diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

This type of care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists, who work together with a patient’s primary doctor and/or specialist to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be offered along with curative treatment. Examples of those who have benefited include someone with pancreatitis and a diabetic with neuropathy (nerve pain). Both conditions are chronic but not life-threatening.

Supportive Care improves healthcare quality in three significant ways. It:
1. effectively relieves physical symptoms and emotional suffering,
2. strengthens patient-family-physician communication and decision-making, and
3. ensures well-coordinated care across healthcare settings.

As a holistic approach to care, it’s about a person’s whole being, including family and loved ones. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances. Those with advancing illness can deal with their situation without the added burden of debilitating pain or life-altering symptoms that prevent them from enjoying daily life.

The steady growth in this type of care is primarily in response to the increasing number of people with serious and chronic illness. People are living longer, but not necessarily better. Their needs are many, placing overwhelming caregiving demands on families. We recognize their needs and are addressing these challenges through a strong partnership between patient, family and the Carewell Supportive Care team. A consult is available through one’s own physician or by calling (352) 291-5881 for information about receiving services. They can request treatment if the outcome from surgery, accident or disease has left them in physical or mental distress.

Because patients are carefully regulated by their physicians in collaboration with experts on the Carewell Supportive Care team, they can rest assured that symptoms can be managed (most within 24-48 hours) and their condition monitored on an ongoing basis. Many go on to fully regain their lives.

The Carewell Supportive Care team has two medical directors and six advanced practitioner registered nurses. Together they conduct more than 1,000 consults a year, in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and even private homes. Learn how Carewell Supportive Care can help: (352) 291-5881 or visit www.carewellsuportivecare.com.