About Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness such as cancer. It includes these aspects for people with cancer and for their families:
- pain and symptom management
- mental health and spiritual support
- help with medical decision making and advance care planning
Palliative care is available to all patients from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. It can be integrated with cancer treatment any time symptoms interfere with quality of life. Contact Supportive Oncology and Survivorship for more information about palliative care.
About Hospice Care
Doctors can recommend hospice care to enhance quality of life at these times:
- When a cure is not possible
- When standard treatments are no longer working
- When the patient chooses to stop treatment
Insurance companies usually define hospice as a service for patients who will probably live six months or less and are no longer getting active cancer treatment. Hospice care can take place in the patient’s home with the support of nurses, aides, social workers, and other providers. It can also be provided in extended care facilities.
Patients often live longer than six months after entering hospice care with good quality of life and symptom control.
Resources
Supportive Oncology & Survivorship
Our Supportive Oncology & Survivorship team helps patients create care plans to focus on their wishes during and after treatment. The team includes doctors who specialize in managing pain and other symptoms.
Acute (Urgent) Care
The Acute Care clinic offers same-day care for cancer patients who need quick treatment for side effects and other issues such as nausea.
Social Workers, Support Groups & Spiritual Care
The Patient & Family Support team offers group, individual, and family counseling to help people affected by cancer manage their feelings and concerns.
Wellness & Integrative Health Center
The Wellness & Integrative Health Center offers many classes and services to relieve pain and promote health in mind and body. Massage, acupuncture, art therapy, and music therapy are just a few examples.