What is the primary focus of palliative care in a nursing home setting?

The primary focus of palliative care in a nursing home setting is to provide comfort from symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses. This approach emphasizes enhancing the quality of life for patients rather than aiming to cure the underlying illness. Palliative care encompasses managing pain, alleviating distressing symptoms, and addressing emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs, thus allowing residents to live as fully and comfortably as possible in a supportive environment.

In the context of nursing homes, where residents often face complex health issues alongside challenges related to aging, palliative care plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive compassionate care that respects their wishes and maintains dignity. This contrasts with other approaches that may be focused strictly on treatment, rehabilitation, or safe transitions from care settings.