What We Offer
Palliative Care Services – Improving the lives of people living with illness
What is Palliative Care? Palliative Care is a medical specialty which provides care focused on the needs of people who are living with serious, often chronic, illness. Support is also given to family members. In addition to medical care for symptom management, Palliative Care provides assistance and support for the practical, emotional and spiritual issues those living with illness often face. The goal of palliative care is to help you live well for as long as possible while receiving the type of care you want.
Who can benefit from Palliative Care? Palliative Care is available to support people living with any type of illness, some common illnesses people request Palliative Care to assist with are: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, kidney disease, cancer, and many others.
When is the right time for Palliative Care? Palliative Care can help during any stages of illness and is best introduced early in your care. Palliative Care can be provided regardless of a person’s life expectancy and at the same time as curative/life prolonging treatments. It can also be provided at the same time as home health services.
Is Palliative Care the same as Hospice? No. Palliative Care can help during any stage of an illness regardless of prognosis. Hospice care is meant for those with a life-limiting illness in their last several months of life.
How Can Palliative Care Help? When you are faced with an illness you and your family need answers, relief, expertise, and support. Our team of board certified doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains make sure that your concerns are addressed.
Working closely with your primary doctor, we provide inpatient and outpatient consultations focused on:
- Expert treatment of pain and other symptoms
- Guidance with difficult treatment choices
- Close communication and compassionate care
- Coordination of care with other healthcare providers
- Help in navigating the healthcare system
- Detailed practical information, assistance, and referral to community resources
- Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family
What can I expect from Palliative Care?
- Better understanding of your medical condition and all your treatment options
- Confidence that the treatment decisions you make match what you want
- Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
- Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
- Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
- Improved ability to cope with the stress and daily challenges of living with illness.
How is Palliative Care provided? A physician or nurse practitioner will make ‘house calls,’ whether you are at home, in the hospital, in a nursing home, or in an assisted living facility. A social worker and chaplain are also available to visit as needed.
How is Palliative Care paid for? Palliative Care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. We are committed to providing services regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.
How can I get Palliative Care? A doctor’s order is required to receive Palliative Care services, please call us if you would like our assistance to speak with your doctor about Palliative Care.