It's about how you live
Dealing with a serious or life-threatening illness can be an emotionally difficult experience. No matter how well you are prepared, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.
It is important to know that you are not alone.
The Saint Vincent Hospital Palliative Care Team is here for you and your family.
This information will help you understand how you or someone close to you can benefit from this special type of care.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative care is a model of care for all types of chronic or progressive illness that focuses on improving your quality of life.
It is comprehensive treatment of the symptoms, discomfort and stress of a serious illness.
Palliatrive care provides relief from distressing symptoms including pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. It can also help deal with the side effects of medical treatments you are receiving.
You may want to consider palliative care if you experience any physical or emotional pain that is not under control.
WHEN SHOULD PALLIATIVE CARE BEGIN?
It's never too early to start palliative care.
Many people living with illnesses such as cancer, heart, lung or kidney disease, often experience physical symptoms and emotional distress related to their diseases. Sometimes the symptoms are related to the medical treatments they are receiving and can cause exhaustion, anxiety or depression.
The Palliative Care Team understands that pain and other symptoms affect your quality of life and can leave you lacking the energy or motivation to pursue the things you enjoy.
They also understand the stress of what you are going through can have a big impact on your family. The Palliative Care Team can asist you and your loved ones as you cope with the difficult situation. There is no reason to wait.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PALLIATIVE CARE?
The Palliative Care Team at Saint Vincent Hospital can offer:
• Treatment of -- pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, or problems with sleeping, so you can get the best relief possible
• Better undrstanding of your condition, including open discussion about treatment options, ensuring care is according to your wishes
• Assistance with setting goals that lead to a meaningful, enjoyable life while you receive treatment for your illness
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR A PALLIATIVE CARE CONSULT?
You or your family can ask your doctor or your nurse for a consult from a member of the Palliative Care Team.
You can also contact the Palliative Care Team directly at 508-383-7000.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER PALLIATIVE CARE?
Most insurance plans cover all or part of the palliative care treatment you receive in the hospital, just as they would other services. Medicare and Medicaid also typically cover the cost of palliative care treatments.
Should you have any concerns about the cost of care, a social worker from the Palliative Care Team can help you.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL?
The Palliative Care Team has partnered with MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice to provide additional care for you at home and includes services such as nursing, physical and occupational therapies and social services.
THE PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM
Palliative care at Saint Vincent Hospital is provided by an interdisciplinary team of specialists that include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, nutritionists and homecare.
Saint Vincent Hospital uses this team approach to provide patient-centered care to meet the physical, cultural, psychological and spiritual needs of you and your family.
This results in well-planned treatment for all your symptoms throughout your illness -- treatment that takes care of you in your present condition and anticipates your future needs.
The Palliative Care Team is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 508-383-7000.
"Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay." Maya Angelou
While the physicians identified on this web site are members of the medical staff of Saint Vincent Hospital, the physicians are independent contractors who are self-employed or employed by an entity other than Saint Vincent Hospital. As a result, such physicians are neither employees or agents of Saint Vincent Hospital and Saint Vincent Hospital is not responsible for any actions which they may take in their medical practice.