When you are living with a chronic or terminal illness, palliative care provides relief from pain, stress and other debilitating symptoms.
At Catholic Health, we deliver palliative care at any stage of illness. Our services are combined with your regular treatments, such as chemotherapy, and we provide them regardless of life expectancy.
Palliative Care at Catholic Health
Our palliative care experts work with you to create a care plan to manage pain, assist with communication with your medical team and arrange for services such as home care.
Patients who may benefit from palliative care include those with:
- Cancer
- Congestive Heart Failure
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney Failure
These patients often experience symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea.
Palliative Care Home Care Program
Patients with a chronic illness such as lung or heart disease may rush to the hospital when they become sick or short of breath. Our palliative care nurses can care for you at home, often avoiding the need to go to the hospital.
When you sign up for palliative home care, we create a plan for future health flare-ups or changes in your condition. This might include:
- Instructions for calling the palliative care nurse
- A visit from a nurse
- Check vital signs
- Perform an exam
- Adjust medicines as needed
- Work to identify a trigger for the symptoms
Patients often stabilize quickly with this treatment approach and unknown triggers can be identified. Our palliative care team collaborates with social workers and spiritual counselors to ensure patients are living in a healthy environment.
Arrange for Care
If you want to schedule palliative care services at home, please call the Catholic Health home care division at (716) 685-4870. Ask to speak with the Clinical Manager, who will guide you arranging for services.