Pain Management to Emotional Support: Palliative Care at Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre
With increasing longevity, it is estimated that 80% people dying annually are suffering from chronic advanced diseases e.g cancer, end stage failure of heart, liver, kidney, chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD), strokes, degenerative neurology changes, dementia etc.
They all require palliative care, which is available to 3% of the Indian population. Rest of the population is living with a miserable & painful life due to lack of facilities for holistic palliative care.
Managing Pain Effectively
Pain can be a major issue for patients facing during any disease or treatment. Here effective pain management comes in, that we all do in the form of palliative care.
Dharamshila Rahat Palliative Care Unit carefully assess each patient’s pain to understand its intensity, location, and triggers. This helps us create a personalized pain management plan that suits each individual. We follow guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), starting with non-opioid medications and moving to stronger options if needed. Alongside medications, we also offer therapies like mindfulness and physical therapy to help relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Providing Emotional Support
While managing physical pain is crucial, we also recognize the importance of emotional support. Many patients experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, or fear about their illness. Our team at Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre is trained to provide compassionate emotional care. We know that emotional distress can make physical pain worse, so we include psychological support in our care plans. We offer support groups, counseling sessions, and family meetings where patients and their loved ones can share their feelings and experiences. This creates a safe space for everyone involved and helps them feel less alone during this difficult time.
A Holistic Approach to Quality of Life
At our centre, we believe that quality of life means more than just being free from pain. Our palliative care team works closely with patients to understand their wishes and goals for care. This patient-centered approach empowers individuals to make choices that reflect their values. We also recognize the importance of spiritual care. Many patients find comfort in discussing their beliefs during tough times. Our team includes spiritual care providers who can help patients explore these topics in a supportive way.
Palliative care at Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre is dedicated to treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. By combining effective pain management with emotional support and holistic care, we aim to improve the quality of life for our patients during this challenging phase. Our mission is simple: to provide compassionate care that respects each individual’s dignity while easing their suffering in every way possible.