Palliative care is part of a continuum of care services provided through a variety of disciplines to help people as they journey through life. Because this term is sometimes associated with end-of-life care, there can be fear or distrust associated with its use. At The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living, palliative care is provided for our assisted living residents, as well as members of the larger central New Jersey community, who are recovering from a serious illness or injury. Find out how our palliative care services can help you and your loved ones.
How Does Palliative Care Help Patients?
Palliative care is defined as care provided to any patient diagnosed with a serious, long-term illness. You may have heard it called comfort care or pain management. This type of care helps patients with chronic diseases or serious injuries. When patients are experiencing side effects from medical treatments, or fears associated with a life-changing illness, palliative care can help them, their families, and supportive friends.
An interdisciplinary team may work together to help patients accept medical treatments designed to cure or slow disease. For example, they may offer a variety of therapies to help control pain or nausea. If there are mobility issues or physical functions that require attention, therapists are included in the palliative care team. In addition, a patient’s mental or emotional state may impact the ability to heal or accept medical treatments. To help with these issues counselors, Rabbis, or other pastoral authorities may work with the patient.
Here are some common symptoms that may benefit from palliative care:
- Shortness of breath and other respiratory problems
- Coughing and swallowing
- Depression and anxiety
- Constipation, nausea, and vomiting
- Mental confusion and troubling emotions
- Sleep disturbance
- Physical weakness and mobility issues
As we age, there may be multiple conditions and illnesses that challenge our health. The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living provides palliative care for those who are diagnosed with cancers, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, lung disease, and other conditions. We also offer hospice care for those near the end of life.
How Can I Receive Palliative Care?
As soon as a diagnosis of a life-threatening, long-term, or serious illness is received, palliative care might be a good idea. As your medical team works with you to develop care and treatment plans, palliative care providers can help integrate the services of counselors or therapists to assist with any anxiety or depression. Physical therapists, massage therapists, and others can help with physical strength and relaxation. Religious advisors can help advise on ethical and spiritual issues that may arise for the patient and their family.
As treatments progress, depending on the nature of the illness or disease, patients may benefit from pain management offered through palliative care services. Addressing digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting can also help the patient consume a healthy diet that aids the healing process.
The Wilf Campus for Senior Living provides palliative care services for residents of Somerset, NJ, and the surrounding counties in central New Jersey. Palliative care can be accessed within our assisted living community, which includes transitional care and memory care. Members of the larger community who live in long-term care facilities, with family members, or in their own homes may also receive our palliative care services through Wilf at Home.
Palliative Care at The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living
Whether you choose to live in our beautiful senior living community or live elsewhere in Somerset and the surrounding counties, palliative care services are available. The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living provides skilled nursing services, personal care assistance with certified home health aides, non-medical companionship, and pastoral care services. We are dedicated to helping improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of each person in our care.
A Tradition of Compassionate Care in New Jersey
The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living provides care services to older adults throughout central New Jersey. While our values and history are rooted in Jewish values and traditions, all faiths and walks of life are represented in our community. If you have questions about our palliative care services, contact us by calling 732-649-3502 or sending an email to [email protected].