Palliative Care

Improving the Quality of Life of Patients at Any Stage of Their Illness

Palliative care is a supportive care service focused on improving the quality of life for people of any age and at any stage of their illness. While palliative care may begin upon diagnosis if patients have a serious illness, these supportive services are usually used as supportive end-of-life care. Palliative care frequently benefits patients with a chronic disease such as COPD, kidney failure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, false, dementia, or stroke, to name a few.

Patient values and goals of care direct the care plan for supportive-care services. Our team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual support staff work closely with your primary care team to support your needs. Supportive care team members provide disease education, symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual care to help make your quality of life the best it can be in spite of any health challenges.

Our services remain available to patients and families even after the patient is discharged home, so you always have a contact when your care needs change. Also, we are here to support your self-care at home.

If you or a loved one may benefit from supportive services, you can request a referral from your hospital physician, nurse, social worker, or chaplain. We look forward to walking with you on your journey.

For Caregivers

Providing care for a loved one can be stressful. To be a good caregiver, it is vital to take care of yourself. Here are five ways to reduce your stress so you can be a better caregiver:

Ask for help

Seek help and support from family members, friends, and available community groups, such as clubs or churches. Keep a list of tasks and errands you have had difficulty getting to, and be ready to pass one along when someone asks how they can help. See if someone else can provide care for a little while to give yourself a much-needed break. Often friends and family state they would have helped if they had only been asked or told of the specific needs. Some families may be financially able to hire someone else to provide care a few hours a week to give you some time off.

Be body and mind aware

Protect your own physical and mental health. If you experience pain, are unable to eat or sleep, or become anxious or depressed, see your primary care physician for immediate intervention and support.

Do something you enjoy

Get a manicure, take a coffee break with a good friend, read a book, meditate or pray, listen to music, make artwork, or simply rest while the patient is napping can help rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.

Eat well and exercise

Your well-being depends on getting enough water, healthy foods and at least 20 minutes of activity a day to function best. Yes, one 20-minute or two 10-minute walks around the hospital count!

Connect

Support groups, clergy, friends, family, and clubs can provide support and reassurance as well as disease-specific education. Journaling also can help you connect to your innermost thoughts and fears. Acknowledging your feelings can reduce stress.

Additional Resources

Children’s Grief:

Young children

Caregiver Resources:

Relaxation:

Grief Support:

To contact a Palliative Care Nurse, please call (661) 726-6677.
To reach Spiritual Care, call (661) 949-5005.