No one wants to see a loved one in pain, and when that pain comes from a terminal illness, what can you do?
At Pal Assist, these are questions we hear often from those caring for a loved one. So, we offer registered nurses who are available every day to give free support and advice.
We also help families find the right pain management resources when they need them most. Your loved one doesn’t have to live with terrible pain. Once you know your options, you can help ease this burden for everyone involved.
In this article, we will walk you through how doctors manage pain in palliative care. By the end, you’ll understand what you and your family can expect during this challenging time.
Guide to Palliative Care Pain Relief Methods
Palliative medicine has come a long way since the 1980s. Today, doctors have many ways to help manage pain, and in most cases, they can find something that works for almost
Your doctor will usually start with one approach and adjust it as needed, so the treatment can change and grow along with the patient’s needs.
Medications
The strongest pain medicines are called opioids, and they’re really good at helping with serious pain. You might have heard of morphine for palliative care, which has helped millions of people over many years.
These medicines work by stopping pain messages from reaching your brain. Morphine has been helping people feel better for many years, and doctors know how to use it safely. Other opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone work in similar ways.
Sometimes doctors add other medicines to help with specific types of pain. For example, they might use anti-inflammatory drugs if someone has bone pain, or antidepressants if the pain comes from damaged nerves.
Delivery Methods
Since there are several ways to give these medicines, doctors can choose the option that works best for each person. Most people start by taking pills or liquid medicine by mouth because it’s simple and works well.
When it gets hard to swallow, doctors can use special patches that stick on the skin, which slowly release medicine into the body over a few days. But sometimes doctors can give medicine through a small needle under the skin or into a vein (usually for faster relief).
Holistic Options
But medicine isn’t the only thing that helps with pain. Many people also feel better with gentle massage therapy, which research shows can reduce both pain and worry. (The human touch can be very healing during difficult times.)
It’s important to know that pain and worry often go hand in hand. So, when someone feels scared or anxious about their illness, it can actually make their physical pain feel worse. That’s why doctors try to help with both the body and the emotions.
But what if regular pain relief isn’t enough? We’ll look at more advanced approaches next.
Advanced Options for Pain Relief in Palliative Care
- Sometimes regular pain treatments don’t work well enough for people with terminal illness. But other options can help someone stay comfortable during their final days.
Palliative Sedation
One of the options is palliative sedation, which uses medicine to help someone sleep more deeply when pain becomes too severe. Your doctor should only suggest this after trying everything else first, like adjusting pain medicines, using nerve blocks, or combining different treatments to manage symptoms.
Combined Therapies
Another helpful approach is to combine treatments that care for both the body and mind. For example, you might use pain medicine along with a gentle massage or calming music to help reduce anxiety. This way, both physical comfort and emotional relief get taken care of at the same time.
It’s good to know that the care team always puts the patient’s needs first and works closely with families. And this care can happen in many places, not limited to hospitals.
Pain Control at Home and in Care Settings
It’s no surprise that many people with terminal illness want to stay at home in their final days. And of course, modern care gives people the support they need to stay comfortable and safe at home.
Home Visits, Nurses, Support Teams
Home-based care brings skilled professionals directly to your home, which means nurses and doctors can keep a close eye on symptoms and make treatment changes when needed. Sometimes, social workers and chaplains also come to support both patients and families during difficult times.
Medication Management at Home
Once the care team is in place, they help with one of the biggest concerns: managing medications. This might seem scary at first, but care teams are there to provide clear instructions to help you feel confident. They will patiently teach family members how to give the right doses at the right times.
Equipment and 24/7 Support
To prepare for unexpected needs, many hospice programs also offer special medication kits for emergencies, such as pain relievers, anti-nausea medicine, and fever reducers.
You can also request delivery of hospital beds and oxygen to make home care easier for everyone involved. Rest assured, hospice care works 24/7, so help is always just a phone call away.
You and Your Loved One Can Find Support Together
Caring for a terminally ill loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. But please remember, support and help are always available for both of you.
Even when pain gets unbearable, modern medicine offers many ways to provide relief and comfort.
We always encourage patients and families to ask questions or share concerns with our healthcare team. We want to hear from you and work to address whatever worries you might have.
At Pal Assist, we’re always here for you whenever you need us. Contact us now for immediate support and resources.
