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swags60 Asked May 2014

Are there any negatives to palliative care?

Brothers want to place mom who is in a nursing home into palliative care, are there any negatives all I have been able to find are positives.

swags60 May 2014
mom cant make her own descissions, and thank you for your response

pamstegma May 2014
It's not up to brother. It's up to Mom's MD to make the recommendation, and the Palliative Care agency will do their own evaluation as well. If mom is able to understand things, it is up to her to accept it or reject it. Palliative care is for a serious long term illness, While Hospice is for a terminal illness.
For example a cancer patient may say NO more chemo. Doctors don't like it when a patient says that. They distance themselves from care. Palliative Care is more supportive than a disappointed cancer MD. They will respond positively where Dr. Grumpy will back off and want out. Where the MD ignored my requests for meds and fluids at home, Palliative care responded. Like it or not MD's burn out like any other caregiver, so you shift the load to someone who can handle the situation.

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frazzleddaught May 2014
Depends on your viewpoint I guess.
My mum needed palliative care for the last 8 months of her life. It meant regular confirmation that her pain levels were monitored and responded to promptly. That she had attentive and compassionate people looking after her. In all that time my only negative experience related to family and not to those providing palliative care support. You may not think it but it can be a life affirming opportunity that you will value and treasure as I do. Best of luck, one day at a time is all you need to focus on. Best wishes

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