Palliative Care – A Quality of Life Program

Our physicians are experts in the management of pain and other distressing symptoms associated with illness or treatments, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

The family meeting is an opportunity for you and your family to share concerns, ask questions and provide information to help clarify your wishes for care. Enhancing communication helps to ensure that your needs are being fully met. The goal of our palliative care team is to support you throughout this journey.

The diagnosis of a serious illness is a major life-changing event. Receiving the diagnosis may throw you into a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear or anger to denial and overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of illness and treatment but the emotional impact can be an even greater burden.

You need a safe place where you can share these feelings with those who truly understand. Support groups are designed to provide you with a confidential atmosphere to discuss your experiences with others who are in a similar situation. Our specially trained social workers and pastoral care team members are here to listen and support you and your family.

Symptom management and supportive care services are offered at an outpatient center or your home. This allows our team to address your individual needs earlier in the course of the illness.

Our outpatient program specializes in managing symptoms associated with illness and treatments, while providing you with guidance and emotional support when making important decisions about your care.

Hospice care is a type of palliative care. But the two are not the same. Hospice care is offered in the final stages of life when a cure is not possible.

Palliative care is appropriate for patients in any stage of serious illness. At Good Shepherd Hospice you can receive palliative care for many years.

Palliative care is for anyone, of any age, who has a serious illness or health problem. Care is available as soon as you are diagnosed with a serious illness or health problem such as heart, lung or kidney failure, cancer or some forms of dementia.

Palliative care and treatment for your illness are given at the same time.

Catholic Health provides palliative care in inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals and skilled nursing facilities as well as in our patients' homes as part of our Catholic Health Home Care program. Talk to your nurse, or ask your physician for a referral, if you’re interested in receiving palliative care services.

Yes. Our palliative care team provides emotional support and education to your family and friends throughout your illness. Our specialists can teach your loved ones how to offer care effectively and safely.

Our team includes:

• Physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Child life specialists
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Registered dietitians
• Registered nurses

Yes. You have the right to a personal representative or advocate who remains with you during physician appointments and related treatments and tests.