7 Palliative Care Myths Busted!

It is quite devastating when you or your family member is suffering from a life-threatening illness. Palliative Care and In Home Care Services Melbourne are interdisciplinary medical caregiving approach with an aim to optimise the quality of life of such a person. 

Though Melbourne Palliative Care is an important approach for the diseased person, most people have a lot of misconceptions regarding it which gives a negative notion when opting for it.

Here are some of the common myths people believe about palliative care.

Myth 1: Palliative Care Pain Medication Leads To Addiction

When suffering from life-threatening diseases, controlling the pain is an essential part of the recovery process. Doses of pain medication would help to ease this pain and keep the patients relieved. The body eventually develops tolerance to medication and not addiction.

Myth 2: It’s Just Normal Nursing Care

Palliative care has definitely involved nurses and a multidisciplinary team of experts like counsellors, social workers, and volunteers. This team is trained to respond to the needs of people in palliative care. This is more according to today’s standard. There is much more to it than just nursing.

Myth 3: Palliative Care Service Is Only Offered In Hospital Premises

Not at all, Palliative care does provide support to people in the hospital, but it is also offered to people in the comfort of their own homes.

Myth 4: Palliative Care Means There Is No Hope For Further Cure

As we mentioned before, the aim of Palliative care is to ensure a quality life for people diagnosed with advanced illnesses. The illness may be life-threatening and require intensive care, but this does not mean you leave hope about the cure. 

Myth 5: It Increases Dependence On Others For Care

Actually, it is quite the opposite. It supports the person to maintain their independence and quality of life regardless of the serious illness. The care only provides them equipment or strategies which are necessary to ensure that the person continues to live their life to the fullest.

Myth 6: Palliative Care Is Only For Cancer Patients Or Old People

The definition of palliative care mentions the care for the person with a life-threatening or terminal illness which does not mean only cancer. Cancer is one of these illnesses. 

So anyone who gets diagnosed with a terminal illness other than cancer can access palliative care and benefit from it. No one is exempt from terminal diagnoses; children can also receive palliative care.

Myth 7: Palliative Care Means No Further Treatment

When a person opts for palliative care, they do not necessarily cease treatment. The care helps them to realise the goals of treatment shift from just cure to rather quality of. 

Yes, the cancer patient can opt to continue radiotherapy, but instead of aiming to cure cancer, palliative care helps them to shift their aim to reduce the size of the tumour, which is the cause of their pain and discomfort.

These Melbourne Palliative Care myths suggest that people have a devastating notion, but the care could be a life-changing experience in a positive aspect.