What is Palliative Care?
Although palliative and hospice care share a similar philosophy, they have important differences too. Both types of care use a team approach to manage pain and symptoms and offer help with serious illness. Palliative care is usually provided much earlier in the course of illness – not just in the advanced stages. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at the same time as curative treatment.
“Your physical and emotional comfort are essential to living a good life – and are of the utmost importance to us. With Hope, you’ll have access to holistic, integrative treatment so you can live each day as fully as possible.” ~ Hope President and CEO, Samira K. Beckwith
Who Can Benefit?
Palliative care is most helpful for those suffering from illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
There are no age limitations for palliative care; infants, children, and teens can also find comfort through our comprehensive, holistic services.
Find Renewed Strength and Symptom Relief
With our help, you’ll find renewed strength to live your daily life – finding new energy and motivation to pursue what matters most. You may notice that you’ll be able to better tolerate ongoing medical treatments. You’ll enjoy a greater sense of control over your care and fully understand all your choices for treatment. We relieve symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Edema
- Seizures
Someone in Your Corner
During serious illness, you may need help navigating the complexities of your care and treatment. We’ll support you from the time of your diagnosis through the entire course of your illness. Our services include:
- Connecting you with helpful resources
- Providing education, so you know what to expect
- Explaining the benefits and burdens of potential treatments as well as your options for care
- Matching your goals to your medical care
- Talking with your family about your illness and what’s most important to you
- Telephone support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Care in the Most Comfortable Setting
With Hope Palliative Care, you will get the help you need in the place that’s most convenient to you – whether in your own home, a hospital, outpatient clinic, physician’s office, assisted living community, or long term care facility. Hope Palliative Care can help you avoid multiple hospital admissions for the same symptoms as well as frequent Emergency Room visits.
A Team Approach to Medical Care
Palliative care is truly a partnership; it involves everyone – you, your family, and all of your physicians and specialists. We will work closely with your attending physician and current team. Hope Palliative Care is provided by nurse practitioners, who have special training to help people with advanced illness.
The Hope Palliative Care team will take the time to fully educate you and your loved ones about your unique care plan. We’re always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Paying for Palliative Care
In most instances, palliative care clinical visits are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or your private insurance. In some cases, a co-payment is required. A Hope representative will help you determine what fees, if any, apply with your particular health care coverage.
Rest assured, we will never provide care without your agreement and consent. If costs are a concern, please ask a member of our staff about your personal situation.
Get Started with Hope Palliative Care
The first step is to call us at 239-482-4673 and ask to meet with a member of our palliative care team. When we meet, we will discuss the specifics of your illness, your symptoms, and your hopes for the future. We will contact your doctor to discuss your current plan of care.
Together, we will create a unique, new care plan – just for you. Over time, we will adjust your care plan as necessary to ensure your maximum comfort and peace of mind. We will maintain this relationship with you and your physician. We’ll continue providing palliative care throughout the course of your illness.