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Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (Hospice & Palliative Care)
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care provides symptom management and support for you and your loved
ones when faced with the challenges of a serious illness.
How Does Palliative Care Differ From Hospice?
Palliative care is intended for people with complex illnesses. Unlike hospice,
people receiving palliative care may have a life expectancy of greater than six
months and may continue to receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other
aggressive medical treatments.
|
Palliative Care |
Hospice |
|
Life limiting illness. |
Life expectancy is six months or less if the disease follows its normal course. |
|
Patient may still be actively seeking treatment including chemotherapy and
radiation. |
Treatment goals are focused on comfort and quality of life rather than cure. |
Who is Appropriate for Palliative Care?
Patients with advanced illness and difficulty managing symptoms are candidates
for palliative care. Common diagnoses are cancer, heart disease, COPD, liver
failure, kidney failure, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and failure to thrive.
What are the Benefits of Palliative Care?
The goal of palliative care is to improve your quality of life by providing
aggressive pain and symptom management, coupled with psychosocial support, and
assistance with medical decision-making.
Expert Treatment of Symptoms:
- Pain
- Problems with breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Problems with appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression/anxiety
Guidance and Support:
- Exploration of goals and wishes regarding medical care.
- Assistance with advance care planning and directives.
- Help with understanding medications and treatments.
- Opportunity to discuss questions and concerns.
- Communication with the health care team.
- Transition to hospice care when appropriate and desired by you and your family.
What is a Palliative Care Consultation?
Consultation services are provided by a certified nurse practitioner with
specialty training in palliative care. The Nurse Practitioner works closely with
your doctor and other health care professionals to manage your pain and other
symptoms.
Who Pays for Palliative Care Services?
Visits from the nurse practitioner are billed directly to most private and
government insurance plans, including Medicare Parts A & B.
How Do I Initiate a Palliative Care Consult?
You or your loved one can request a consult with the palliative care specialist.
Simply ask your doctor or nurse to make the call. For more information, please
call 330-665-1455, Extension 4716 or 1-800-362-0031, Extension 4716.