Palliative Care

Patients with serious illnesses may experience pain, discomfort and other symptoms that may diminish their ability to function normally. Palliative care addresses these symptoms, focusing on making the patient as comfortable as possible. It also focuses on the psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Palliative care is administered throughout the course of the illness by a team of highly trained physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and others, and includes an array of interventions that are intended to maintain quality of life, as well as ease the suffering, of the patient and his or her family.

Is Palliative Care The Same As Hospice?

No. Hospice care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life. Hospice care focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients with a life expectancy of months, not years. Palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a patient’s illness, from diagnosis on.

What Can I Expect From Palliative Care?

Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping
Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
Better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care

How Can Palliative Care At Atlanticare Help?

Palliative care recognizes that people living with serious illness need expert symptom management, as well as spiritual and emotional support.

Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals who have clinical expertise in disease process, treatment options and pain/symptom management. These services do not replace the medical care a patient may already be receiving; rather, they are designed to complement existing treatment programs.

Comfort and quality of life are important aspects of palliative care, which is why the team works with your primary healthcare provider.

Team Members Include:

Physicians
Advanced Practice Nurses
Staff nurses
Case managers
Social workers
Chaplains
Other healthcare providers as needed

What Services Does The Palliative Care Team Provide?

Treatment of pain and symptom management
Communication and compassionate care
Help in navigating the healthcare system
Guidance with difficult treatment choices
Inpatient care
Information on Advanced Directives (Living Wills)
Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family
Assistance with end-of-life decision making

How Can I Access Palliative Care?

To begin palliative care, please ask your healthcare provider for a referral.