What is Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care assists seriously ill individuals to maintain maximum physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. The Palliative Care Team provides support and guidance to patients and their families and helps them 1) address the diverse problems associated with serious illness, 2) assist with advance care planning and 3) develop a personalized plan of care to help each patient and family.

Palliative Care Services Include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Emotional support
• Practical support with insurance, finances and community resources
• Volunteer and spiritual support
• Helping you and your family to have a better understanding of the future course of your illness by thinking ahead to the choices you are likely to face
• Ensuring that your choices about care treatment are honored by providing assistance with the completion of Advance Directives

Who Provides Palliative Care Services?

Palliative Care of Rockland is a program offered by United Hospice of Rockland.

Depending upon the individual’s needs, all or part of the Palliative Care of Rockland team will be involved in providing services. During the initial meeting, patients and families will identify what services they need. The team members include:

1. A Nurse Practitioner (NP) who will provide the patient with care and education on medical issues relating to the patient’s illness. The NP will provide an assessment and assist with the management of pain and other symptoms.
2. A Medical Social Worker who will provide support and practical information for referrals to community agencies.
3. Volunteers who will provide emotional and practical support (such as shopping, playing cards, laundry or simply listening).

Working in collaboration with the individual’s physician, the Palliative Care of Rockland team will provide these services in the comfort of your own home.