Palliative Care at Home: What to Expect

Imagine being able to receive not only medical care but also emotional, spiritual, and practical support while managing a chronic health issue — without leaving the comfort of home.

For the 129 million people in the U.S. who live with chronic conditions that affect their daily lives, standard medical treatment often focuses on managing symptoms or slowing disease progression. Palliative care, on the other hand, looks beyond the illness to address the whole person, including their comfort, mindset, and relationships.

Palliative care at home brings this holistic support directly where people feel safest and most at ease. Let’s answer the question “What is palliative care at home?” by digging into the details, dispelling myths, and discussing how families can access it.

What is palliative care at home?

Palliative care is a type of medical support designed for individuals with serious or chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and more. The focus is holistic, centered not only on pain relief but also on the emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the client and their family.

Although palliative care can be provided in a medical setting, such as a hospital or clinic, many people receive it at home, where they feel most comfortable. Palliative care at home provides advantages, including:

• Staying in a familiar setting to decrease stress and anxiety.
• Receiving more personalized, one-on-one care tailored to household routines.
• Preventing frequent hospital or clinic trips that interrupt daily life.

Is palliative care the same as hospice?

With an understanding of what palliative care at home is, let’s distinguish it from hospice. Although the two overlap to some degree, they are not the same.

• Palliative care is available to anyone living with a serious illness, no matter the stage. It can be provided alongside curative treatments to ease symptoms, reduce stress, and support the individual and their family.
• Hospice care, on the other hand, is designed for people with a life-limiting illness who choose to focus solely on comfort rather than continued curative treatment. It provides intensive support and care coordination for both clients and families during the end-of-life stage.

Myths About Palliative Care
According to studies, an estimated 71% of adults have never heard of palliative care and don’t understand what it provides. Common misconceptions about palliative care include:

• “Palliative care is only for people at the end of their lives.” In reality, palliative care is appropriate at any stage of illness, even when someone is seeking a cure. When people assume that palliative care is only for people with a life-limiting illness, they may wait too long to ask for it. This can cause them to miss out on years of comfort, guidance, and improved quality of life.
• “Palliative care replaces the client’s current medical care and providers.” Palliative care doesn’t replace the client’s doctors or medical care; instead, it works alongside that care and helps coordinate providers and treatments.
• “Palliative care is just about managing pain.” Palliative care supports the whole person — their mood, relationships, and daily quality of life — and the family and friends who act as caregivers.

What’s included in palliative care at home?

Home-based palliative care is highly personalized, designed around the client’s medical needs, preferences, and routines. Each client’s treatment options are as unique as they are, but home-based palliative care generally includes the following types of support.

1. Care Coordination

At the heart of palliative care is a central coordinator, often a nurse practitioner, who brings together all members of the care team. Similar to starting hospice at home, a client’s first palliative care appointment will typically take place at their home with this care coordinator. The coordinator will speak with the client and their caregivers about health concerns, personal goals, and the aspects of care and living that matter most to them. Together, they’ll create a care plan designed to support comfort and peace of mind, right where the client lives.

2. Pain and Symptom Management

Doctors, nurses, and the care coordinator work together to provide medical relief for:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiety
• Any other symptoms that need to be addressed

They also may  recommend complementary therapies such as gentle massage, meditation, or breathing exercises to promote relaxation and well-being.

3. Assistance with Daily Activities

Palliative support at home extends beyond medical care. The team, including volunteers, can assist with activities of daily living and provide hands-on support with participating in hobbies, maintaining friendships, and experiencing meaningful daily moments that create joy and purpose.

4. Emotional and Spiritual Support

Emotional well-being is central to palliative care. Clients and caregivers gain access to counseling and stress management techniques. For those who wish, spiritual care, such as chaplain visits, prayer, or interfaith support, can provide additional comfort and connection.

5. Medical Equipment and Supplies

Nutritionists and therapists, both physical and occupational, provide guidance on diet, physical mobility, and daily functioning. They may recommend or arrange for oxygen support, mobility aids, and ergonomic furniture to make daily living safer and easier.

6. Social Support

Social workers connect clients and families to community and financial resources while helping prevent isolation. Volunteers may also provide companionship, run errands, or offer respite care for caregivers.

7. Family Support and Education

Family members and other caregivers are key care partners. Palliative teams provide education and guidance on managing medications, monitoring symptoms, and making simple lifestyle adjustments to enhance comfort and decrease stress. 

8. Insurance and Cost Guidance

The cost of palliative care at home is often covered by Medicare, and most private insurance plans offer at least partial coverage. The care team can help review benefits, coordinate billing, and clarify out-of-pocket expenses before services begin.

9. Advance Care Planning

The palliative care team helps clients and families prepare for the future, aligning care decisions with personal wishes, values, and goals as the illness changes.

How do I access palliative care at home?

Often, medical providers will refer their patients to palliative care, but that isn’t a necessary step. Instead, clients and caregivers can proactively start the conversation by asking for a referral or reaching out directly to local palliative care providers. For those interested in palliative care at home, researching options that provide treatment outside of a clinical or hospital setting is key.

Experience the comfort of care that comes home. 

Palliative care services from WesleyLife are built on respect for each individual’s experience. The focus is on helping clients live fully in the place they feel most at ease. When care comes home, it not only eases symptoms but also restores a sense of peace and control.

Download The Complete Guide to Palliative Care to explore how tailored support can enhance quality of life today and in the days ahead.