Psychology Today: 4 Benefits of Palliative Care at Home

Did you know palliative care is an option at home? More than six million people in the US could benefit from palliative care, and according to the Center to Advance Palliative Care thousands received it at home last year. Research shows that being cared for at home enhances quality of life because it is usually consistent with one’s life goals. When you are dealing with a complex or terminal illness, it can be so much more comforting to be at home, in familiar surroundings, and around loved ones, rather than alone in a hospital or nursing facility, This familiarity has a profound impact on emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of safety and security.

In this recent article for his Psychology Today Series, Permission to Choose, Dr. Bob Uslander, Co-Founder of Empowered Endings, explains the four benefits of receiving palliative care at home. As a physician with over 35 years of experience in emergency medicine, palliative and End of Life Care, Dr. Uslander has first-hand knowledge about the benefits of being cared for at home rather than in a hospital or facility.

Here are the 4 benefits palliative care at home provides:

1. Reduces Stress: Receiving palliative care in your home reduces stress for everyone involved because you are surrounded by your personal belongings, including your favorite art, your favorite recliner, and especially your loved ones. In addition, research shows that those living with a serious illness who spend more time at home than in institutional care facilities typically experience less anxiety and greater peace.  

2. Preserves Independence: In-home medical care preserves independence and autonomy because you can maintain greater control over your daily routines and activities. Even though you may be struggling with a complex illness, you can still experience a sense of independence at home. 

3. Increases Quality of Life: Personalized and coordinated medical care at home increases quality of life because you are more likely to receive holistic care that is considerate of all your needs- physical, emotional and spiritual. In addition, companionship and social interaction from loved ones and caregivers at home reduces the feelings of loneliness and isolation that often come with a serious illness and are exacerbated in an institutional setting.

4. Empowers Personal Choices: Patients and families are empowered to make choices that align with their wishes. More time is spent with experienced palliative care medical professionals in the home discussing important topics like goals of care and end of life options, and planning accordingly.

The journey through a serious illness is deeply personal, and the environment in which care is received plays a crucial role in shaping that experience. The current healthcare system does not adequately support patients and families through complex and terminal illnesses. There is a need to support people at home better. Palliative care at home offers a compassionate and practical solution, enabling you to focus on quality of life and the moments that matter most.