Quality of Life for You
About Palliative Care
Palliative Care focuses on caring for people with serious illnesses. It is appropriate for patients undergoing treatment for curable illnesses, those living with chronic diseases and patients who are nearing the end of life. The goals of palliative care are to provide relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of serious illness, as well as improve the quality of life for patients and families.
Palliative care specialists and Quality of Life team work with other disciplines, including pharmacists, nurses, chaplains, social workers, psychologists and other health professionals to determine a plan of care that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of each patient.
Consultations are appropriate for anyone 18 and older with a serious or life-limiting diagnosis such as:
- Chronic cardiovascular disease
- Chronic respiratory disease, such as COPD or emphesema
- Dementia
- Cancer
- Neurological disorders, such as ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, or Multiple Schlerosis
- Stroke
Quality of Life strives to help patients and family members define quality of life issues, as well as:
- Offer treatment options to reduce suffering
- Assist with decisions and choices of aggressive or comfort treatment
- Support and educate patient and family
- Provide anticipatory grief counseling Patients, caregivers and families benefit from access to a team of experienced clinicians who specialize in:
- Relief of pain and distressing symptoms
- Advance directives
- Enhancement of communications between patient, family and staff
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Discussions and recommendations regarding ethical decisions
- Patient and family education
- Grief and loss
Key focus areas are:
- Pain and debilitating symptoms are difficult to control
- Ethical decisions are unclear
- Complex physical, psychological and/or social suffering requires extensive evaluation and close follow up
- Staff are supported with education in palliative symptom management