Maryland's Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2014 - (Page 8)

Finding Support, Finding relieF symbol for palliative care," Gary says, Palliative care is integrating the care "I picture a palette of colors that a already being provided by doctors, painter uses, because it reminds nurses and other specialists into a plan me that it's all about how I want to of care that is directed by the patient's paint. Unlike everything else in health needs, wants and wishes. Gary's first care, this approach to care is more visit to Dr. Poppe Ries was a refresh- personal and has really strengthened ing one. After a lot of experience with me by giving me the power to choose countless appointments over the years, what I want." Gary was a little surprised that Dr. "If I could come up with a visual Who Can BeneFit From palliative Care? and what mattered to him most. Palliative care is available in the home, "I never had that kind of time devoted hospitals, outpatient clinics, and hospice to my plan of care-to put all the pieces and long-term care facilities, and is cov- of my past care together with what I ered by most insurance plans, includ- want to do going forward, and integrat- ing Medicare and Medicaid. It improves ing that with all that I have to work with quality of life, can extend survival for today," Gary says. "It was so organized." some cases, uses less-aggressive end- Questions were asked about Gary's of-life interventions, and decreases over- existing support system, his spiritual all time spent in a hospital bed. Gary needs, advance directives and what he believes it should be part of everyone's wanted out of his life. Gary goes back plan of care if they are facing a serious to Dr. Poppe Ries as needed, and that and progressive disease. varies depending on the success of the approaches they are trying. "This has helped me tremendously in spirit and I'm sleeping better than I have in a long time," he says. "I am a left brain gary says the palliative care program has helped him tremendously in spirit. kind of guy, having spent the better part of 26 years working as an analytical scientist. When I learned more about the benefits of palliative care, it was easy to try. As strange as it sounds, I feel good and I am more hopeful because I am in control of my life." Palliative care can be helpful for many serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer's disease, HIV/ AIDS, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis and more. The palliative care team works with your own doctor to provide extra support for you and your family through expert symptom management, and help understanding conditions and how to navigate the health care system to get what Test Your Knowledge About Palliative Care 1. Palliative care leads to fewer treatment options. a. Yes b. No c. Depends on a person's goals 2. At what stage of illness can you receive palliative care services? a. Initial diagnosis b. Late stage c. Any stage 3. Do you have to give up your own doctor to receive palliative care services? a. Yes b. No 4. Is palliative care available to people experiencing Alzheimer's disease or dementia? a. Yes b. No Answers: 1. c; 2. c; 3. b; 4. a his past treatment, symptoms, issues, Poppe Ries took ample time discussing you need. 8 Maryland's HealtH Matters you have an advance directive? download our guide do

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2014

Maryland's Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2014
In This Issue
A Healthy Start
A-CHOO
Walk WIth Me
Serious Care For Kids
At A Glance
News And Events

Maryland's Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2014