Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with chronic or serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing the patient with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of chronic or serious illness—whatever the diagnosis.
Our Approach to Palliative Care
The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family by treating the symptoms of serious illness. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work collaboratively. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a chronic or serious illness and can be provided together with curative treatment.
The Palliative Care Consult Service is available to all hospitalized patients at Inspira Health.
Palliative care may be especially helpful if you:
- Have a chronic or serious illness such as heart failure, advanced lung disease, cancer, liver or kidney problems, immune system disorders, AIDS, neurological disease or dementia
- Have significant pain or discomfort
- Unrelieved nausea, vomiting or other uncontrolled symptoms or the disease or treatment
- Have psychological distress such as depression, fears or anxiousness
- Are seriously ill and facing questions about the future
- Are confused about your medical conditions and choices
- Wish to discuss advanced care planning
How can the Palliative Care Consult Service at Inspira help?
When you or your family member has a chronic or serious illness, you need answers, relief, expertise and individualized care. The palliative care team at Inspira has specialized knowledge and skills in helping people with serious illnesses. Working with your primary doctor we provide:
- Experienced treatment of distressing symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, constipation, pain, breathlessness, depression, insomnia or anxiety
- Improved quality of life for those living with chronic or serious illnesses
- Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family
- Guidance to help you understand your illness and your choices for medical care
- Help in identifying what is important to you to give you the best quality of life
- Guidance to resources to help in your daily living
Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative Care
Do I have to stop my current treatment to receive palliative care?
No. The Palliative Care Consult Service works in partnership with your primary doctor throughout your hospitalization and treatments.
Is palliative care the same as hospice?
No. Hospice care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life and aggressive treatment is no longer beneficial, while palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a chronic or serious illness.
How can I get palliative care while I am in the hospital?
Tell your family, friends and caregivers that you want palliative care. Then, request your care team or ask your doctor for a referral to the Palliative Care Consult Service.
