Palliative Care

When you are living with a long-term or complex health condition, such as diabetes or COPD or congestive heart failure, it can affect more than your physical health — it touches every part of your life. Palliative care is a compassionate, holistic approach to supporting your comfort and well-being at any stage of your illness. It is designed to help improve quality of life for both you and your family.

Palliative care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team understands everyone has different goals and values and will work with you and your family to create a personalized plan of care. We’re here to help address your individual needs including:

• Physical comfort. Managing symptoms like pain, nausea and shortness of breath.
• Emotional well-being. Supporting you through difficult emotions.
• Social support. Helping with relationships and practical concerns.
• Spiritual care. Honoring your values and beliefs.

We’re committed to listening to you and respecting your choices throughout your health care journey. Our approach is flexible, and we can adjust your plan based on your needs and wishes as they evolve over time. To help guide us in creating the right plan for you, we’ll ask you and your family questions such as:

• What is your understanding of your condition?
• What is important for you to talk about today?
• How can we help with your symptoms?
• How can we help you feel better today?
• What are your hopes and fears?
• Who do you count on for support?
• What else would you like us to know about you?
• What questions do you have for us?

Our team works closely with your primary care provider, specialists and any other providers involved in your care, ensuring that every aspect of your treatment is well-coordinated. We help you and your loved ones understand your condition and treatment options, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your wishes and values. Palliative care services continue as long as medically necessary, based on the assessment of your care team and your progress.

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend palliative care during your hospital stay. If your doctor hasn’t requested our help, but you believe palliative care could help, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral.

Palliative care and hospice care have many similarities, and both share the goal of providing comfort and improving quality of life. Hospice care is only available for those facing a life-threatening illness who choose to stop life-prolonging treatment. Palliative care can be provided to patients at any stage of illness or treatment. Learn more about the differences between palliative care and hospice.

Some palliative care coverage is provided by Medicare, Medicaid and most private health insurance policies. Certain criteria must be met for Medicare or Medicaid coverage, and most private insurances follow the same coverage guidelines. To be sure of coverage, please check with your health insurance provider.