How Palliative Care Eases the Burden of Chronic Illness

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on relieving symptoms, easing discomfort, and improving quality of life for individuals living with chronic or serious illnesses. Unlike hospice care, which is for those nearing the end of life, palliative care can begin earlier—during advanced illness—and may be provided alongside curative treatments. This distinction is especially important in nursing home settings, where many residents live with advanced chronic diseases that impact quality of life. By addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs—not just at life’s end, but throughout the course of illness—palliative care plays a vital role in supporting both residents and their caregivers.¹˒²

Caring for the Whole Person: A Team Approach

In nursing homes, the comprehensive approach of palliative care can make a meaningful difference. This care model is rooted in an interdisciplinary team structure that brings together physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, and other specialists to address not just physical symptoms, but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. Symptom management often focuses on relieving distressing symptoms like pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and anxiety. By coordinating care and facilitating open communication between residents, families, and providers, palliative care helps residents better understand their diagnoses, manage symptoms, and maintain a sense of autonomy.

Common chronic illnesses that may benefit from palliative care include:

• Heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stroke-related disabilities
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

This collaborative, resident-centered care approach ensures alignment of each individual’s values and goals, promoting dignity and quality of life—even in the face of long-term illness. ¹˒²

Managing the Symptoms of Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions often bring ongoing symptoms that affect daily comfort — things like pain, fatigue, breathlessness, and nausea. Palliative care helps provide symptom management through a variety of approaches, including medications, therapeutic interventions, emotional support, and coordination with other healthcare services. The goal isn’t always to eliminate every symptom, but to reduce discomfort and provide stability through personalized care.

Pain:

Pain is one of the most common and treatable symptoms in palliative care. Pain relief strategies may come through prescribed medications (like opioids when appropriate), gentle movement, massage, heat or cold packs, or distraction techniques like music or conversation.

Fatigue:

This type of deep tiredness doesn’t always go away with rest. Short naps, nutrition support, and light activities during higher-energy times of day can help manage it.

Shortness of Breath:

Breathlessness can be caused by illness or anxiety and is often frightening. Sitting upright, using a fan for airflow, calming reassurance, and medication (like low-dose morphine) can help ease the sensation.

Nausea & Constipation:

Both are common side effects of medications or illness. Anti-nausea medication, increased fluids, gentle movement, and diet adjustments (like added fiber) can provide relief.

Delirium:

Sudden confusion or restlessness may stem from infection, dehydration, or medication. A calm environment, hydration, and medical support can help bring clarity and comfort.³

Emotional & Psychological Support

Serious illness impacts more than just physical health — it can bring about anxiety, depression, fear, and emotional fatigue. Palliative care teams are trained to recognize these challenges and offer compassionate support through counseling, mental health referrals, and even spiritual care, depending on the resident’s preferences. This emotional support helps residents feel heard, understood, and more in control as they navigate complex health changes and long-term care planning.

Just as importantly, palliative care also aids in family and caregiver support. Loved ones often carry the emotional weight of caregiving or difficult decision-making, and the palliative care team is there to guide them through it — offering education, listening ears, and resources for coping. Together, this support can ease stress, strengthen communication, and improve everyone’s overall sense of emotional well-being. ¹

Enhancing Communication & Goals of Care Discussions

Planning Palliative care plays an important role in guiding residents and families through difficult decisions about care. Whether someone is newly diagnosed with a chronic illness or facing the later stages of disease, the palliative care team helps ensure that conversations about treatment options, prognosis, and personal goals happen early and often. These discussions can ease uncertainty and empower residents to make informed decisions that reflect their values and preferences.

Equally important, the team works to align medical care with what matters most to the individual — whether that’s staying comfortable, avoiding hospitalization, or pursuing certain treatments. Through regular family meetings, support with advance directives, and coordination with facility staff and physicians, palliative care ensures that everyone involved in a resident’s care is on the same page. The result is care that’s more personalized, consistent, and respectful of the resident’s wishes. ²˒⁴

Palliative Care Benefits in the Nursing Home Setting

Palliative care is a valuable addition to nursing home care, helping reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions by addressing symptoms early and managing complex health needs on-site. With regular visits and close coordination between the palliative team, nursing staff, and primary care providers, residents can often avoid the disruption and stress of emergency room visits or hospital stays. This continuity of care supports better health outcomes and ensures that the resident’s treatment aligns with their goals.

Beyond the medical benefits, palliative care brings a deeper level of daily life dignity and nursing home comfort care. By focusing on the whole person — not just their illness — the palliative team creates a supportive environment where residents and families feel heard, understood, and cared for. It’s a powerful way to improve quality of life support and overall satisfaction with care, helping residents feel more at peace in the place they call home. ²˒⁴

References

[1] “Palliative Care: Support for People Living with Chronic Conditions.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 Jan. 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22850-palliative-care.

[2] Davis, Nikki. “Palliative Care and Its Role in Chronic Conditions.” Contessa Health, 19 Aug. 2024, contessahealth.com/palliative-care-and-its-role-in-chronic-conditions/.

[3] “Palliative Care – Dealing with Common Symptoms.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 18 Sept. 2015, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/Palliative-care-dealing-with-common-symptoms.

[4]“Palliative Care-an Option for Patients in Skilled Facilities.” Hospice of Iredell County, www.hoic.org/Article/194/Palliative-Care. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, you are encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals.