A COPD Diagnosis – How Do I Find Help?
Understanding when palliative care can be a benefit to a recent diagnosis like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be confusing and a bit overwhelming. Paradigm Health was the first in the nation to have its palliative care holistic, community-based program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) this past year.
Enriching Life Through Palliative Care
Palliative care is advanced illness management and can benefit patients with chronic, serious, or life-threatening illnesses who are symptomatic, as well as patients who are high risk to be re-hospitalized. Approximately six million people in the United States could benefit from palliative care (Source: Center for Advanced Palliative Care). Illnesses most commonly treated are heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, renal disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms associated with serious illness such as pain, edema, anxiety, shortness of breath, or psychosocial distress. It also provides assistance with advanced care planning and goals of care discussion.
Palliative care, also known as supportive care, is key in managing COPD.
Paradigm Health’s team approach to palliative care is —
- For anyone with a serious or life-threatening illness like COPD
- Not dependent on prognosis
- Management of symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, nausea, etc.
- Often covered by Medicare Part B
- Consultative and individualized in nature
- Provided in concert with a “goals of care” discussion with patients and families
Once goals of care have been identified, Paradigm Health’s nurse practitioner team can assist to help achieve the best possible quality of life. Some of those resources may include:
- Therapies to relieve the discomfort of shortness of breath or anxiety
- Education about lifestyle changes during COPD
- Medication and disease management
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with COPD – Paradigm Health has the team approach to lend support and help manage your day-to-day symptoms. Call us at 317-735-6001 for more information on how we can help.
