Palliative Care

A serious illness can be a lonely and difficult experience. Our Palliative Care staff is here to help you and your family through this trying time. Southeast Health offers the only dedicated Palliative Care program in the region. Palliative care pays special attention to the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones during life-threatening illnesses. Comfort, preserving dignity and promoting quality of life are all important. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and combined with other medical treatments.

Who can receive services?

  • Our Palliative Care staff will provide care to patients and their loved ones who are experiencing a serious or life threatening illness regardless of diagnosis or stage of disease.

Will my regular care team continue to be involved?

  • Yes. The Palliative Care team serves in a consultative role to your regular provider who will continue to be in charge of your care.

How can patients receive services?

  • The process begins by a referral from your physician to the Palliative Care team. Patients, family members and other hospital staff can also request a referral from a patient’s doctor.

How is Palliative care different from hospice?

  • The Palliative Care service can provide care during any phase of a person’s illness. Hospice care provides services to those patients who are felt to be living in their final six months.
Our Palliative Care staff provides the following services:

  • Treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms
    • Palliative treatments focus on enhancing your quality of life by managing symptoms (nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, etc.) and controlling pain. This can help you gain strength and improve toleration of medical treatments.
  • Emotional and spiritual support
    • Serious illness can seem overwhelming at times. Our palliative care setting provides an environment that improves support for both you and your family through the illness.
  • Excellent communication and coordination of care
    • Information about serious illness and care can be confusing. Your care team also serves as an information resource by helping you and your family understand your treatment options and goals.
  • Assist and support treatment choices and decisions
    • Deciding on future treatments often can be difficult and complex. We can help you and your loved ones discuss concerns about future care while respecting your values and personal preferences.
  • Help in planning for care after the hospital
    • There are several options for care beyond the hospital. Your care team can help you and your family choose the most appropriate arrangement of services, based on symptom and psychosocial needs, personal choices and community resources.
For more information on the region’s only dedicated Palliative Care program, please call 334-793-8111, ext 2278.