What is the primary focus of palliative care in skilled nursing facilities?

The primary focus of palliative care in skilled nursing facilities is to provide relief from symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses. This approach prioritizes the quality of life for patients, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs rather than solely concentrating on curative treatments. Palliative care aims to alleviate pain and discomfort, improve overall well-being, and support family members during challenging times, ensuring that patients can maintain dignity and comfort regardless of the stage of their illness.

In this context, enhancing treatment protocols may contribute to care but does not capture the essence of palliative care, which is centered on symptom management rather than aggressive treatment strategies. Increasing hospitalizations and strictly following curative measures diverge from the core objectives of palliative care, which seeks to minimize invasive procedures and interventions that may not align with the patient's goals for comfort and quality of life.