Palliative Care

Palliative care describes the relief and management of symptoms and problems. It can apply to anyone who has a chronic, persistent problem. In Hospice, it is directed at meeting the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.

Palliative care is designed to provide symptom management of end stage disease and other conditions. These symptoms may be caused by the illness itself or may be the result of treatments, surgery or medication.

The hospice staff has advanced training and expertise in symptom management of terminal illness which is based on recommended protocols.

Symptoms commonly treated include:

• Pain
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Breathing Difficulties
• Vomiting
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Constipation
• Fever
• Dry Mouth
• Depression
• Loss of Appetite
• Anxiety
• Skin Breakdown
• Edema

The hospice interdisciplinary team provides instructions and demonstrations inpatient care so that caregivers become confident in their role.

Caregiver counseling and support is offered in many areas including end-of-life decision-making, spiritual needs, anticipatory grief issues, community resource referrals and planning for funerals. By addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and caregiver, quality of life is usually improved for all concerned. Caregivers know that help is no more than a phone call away.

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