Many people wait too long to start palliative care. Here's why earlier is usually better, and the signs it's time.
Why earlier is usually better
Palliative care can begin the moment you're diagnosed with a serious illness, you don't have to wait until treatments stop working or you reach a certain prognosis. Research has found that starting palliative care early, alongside standard treatment, improves quality of life, reduces symptoms like pain and depression, and in some studies has even been associated with patients living longer. Early palliative care also helps you and your family understand your options, set goals, and plan ahead with less crisis and confusion. Because it works with your regular treatment, there's rarely a downside to starting sooner rather than later.
Signs it's time to ask about palliative care
Consider palliative care if you have a serious illness, such as cancer, heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, or dementia, and you're experiencing hard-to-control symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, or anxiety. Other signs include frequent hospital or ER visits, difficulty coping with your diagnosis, complex treatment decisions, or a need to clarify your goals of care. You don't need a referral to ask, simply tell your doctor you'd like a palliative care consult. To understand how Medicare and a Medigap plan cover palliative care so cost is never a barrier, call 1-800-MEDIGAP.