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Palliative Care Program

Holistic care to relieve suffering and improve quality of life 

Palliative Care offers pain and symptom management and assists in the coordination of care between providers and care settings in conjunction with all other appropriate medical treatment.

Palliative Care is Not Hospice

The purpose of palliative care is to address distressing symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties or nausea, among others. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering and improve quality of life.

Coordination of Care

Together, your primary physician and our Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner work to ensure that your goals of care are achieved while you continue to receive other treatment, at all stages of illness. The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner provides expert treatment of the pain, discomfort and stress that can occur with life-threatening illnesses, and is available to answer any questions you and your family may have regarding your care, treatment options and medical decisions.

How To Know if You Need Palliative Care

You may want to consider palliative care if you or your loved one:

  • Suffers from pain or other symptoms due to any serious illness.
  • Experiences physical or emotional pain that is not under control.
  • Needs help understanding your situation and coordinating your care.

Palliative Care Can Help You and Your Family

The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner will assist you and your loved ones by:

  • Helping you learn more about your illness, treatment and prognosis;
  • Clarifying goals of care;
  • Supporting your medical decisions;
  • Ensuring that care is more in line with your wishes;
  • Exploring the alternatives to the continuation of treatment;
  • Providing emotional support;
  • Identifying spiritual or religious concerns;
  • Working with you to make advance care plans; and
  • Arranging for referrals to community agencies.

At Palos Community Hospital, the Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner serves as a resource to assist you and your family in choosing the care and treatments desired while providing answers and emotional support. The Nurse Practitioner can help you and your loved ones make difficult medical decisions and identify support services available after discharge from the hospital.

What to Anticipate

During your Palliative Care consultation, you can expect:

  • An initial introduction to Palliative Care for patient and family;
  • Follow-up patient assessments from a Palliative CareNurse Practitioner;
  • Regular family meetings; and
  • Assistance with establishing individualized goals of care.

Just Ask

To receive Palliative Care, all you have to do is ask. The process begins when your doctor refers you to palliative care. You can also ask your doctor for a referral. Inquire with your nurse about palliative care.

Insurance Pays for Palliative Care

Most insurance plans cover all or part of the palliative care treatment you receive in the hospital, just as they would any other services. Medicare and Medicaid also typically cover palliative care.

For more information about Palliative Care at Palos Community Hospital, call (708) 923-4944 Monday thru Friday.