Healthcare executive Ken Haglind serves as the president of Minnesota Hospice in Lakeville, Minnesota. Ken Haglind directs its efforts to care for patients facing the end of life.
Palliative care starts when someone is diagnosed with a serious illness. In contrast, hospice care begins when medical treatment stops and death is irreversible. Like hospice, palliative care acknowledges the dignity of dying and is intended to follow its natural duration.
Hospitals offer palliative care for diseases such as kidney failure, heart or lung disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or dementia. It is estimated that such care benefits around six million Americans. Roughly 1,700 hospitals offer it in some form.
Doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, psychologists, and others provide palliative care. This team of supporters allow patients a good quality of life by engaging them in as much activity as possible. Assistance from these supporters and their families may positively influence the disease’s development.
Many treatments can alleviate suffering, particularly when applied early. In addition to medical procedures such as radiation and chemotherapy, physical and occupational therapies are often used, as well as nutritional mental health guidance.
