What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care designed to help patients manage the symptoms and challenges associated with a serious illness. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and is available at any stage of the illness, with a particular focus on earlier intervention in the disease process to enhance quality of life.

Palliative care is for anyone:

• whose quality of life is suffering due to a chronic or serious illness.
• experiencing distressing symptoms and pain associated with their condition.
• who continues to seek curative treatment for their chronic or serious illness.
• that could benefit from care coordination to help manage their condition and avoid unnecessary and disruptive hospital trips.  

Where is it Provided?

Palliative care is typically provided wherever you call home or by telehealth, but it may also be available while in the hospital or in a skilled nursing center like MJHS Menorah Center or MJHS Isabella Center.  You’ll be cared for by an interdisciplinary team of experts that consists of highly skilled medical and clinical professionals who will work with you, your family, and your physician to develop a plan of care to help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life, so you can engage in the activities you enjoy.

Serious Illness 

A serious illness is a health condition that significantly impacts a person’s daily life and may pose a risk to their long-term health or life expectancy. These illnesses often involve complex medical needs, require ongoing treatment, and can cause physical, emotional, and psychological challenges for patients and their families.

Palliative Care is not just for patients living with cancer. It provides care coordination and symptom management for patients living with a range of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, COPD, kidney failure, all forms of dementia, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and more. 

What makes someone eligible for palliative care?

Eligibility for palliative care is based on having a serious illness or condition that significantly impacts a person’s quality of life, regardless of age, stage of illness, or treatment goals. A patient is eligible for palliative care if they experience any of the following:

• Chronic Symptom Management Needs:
  • Persistent pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
• Impact on Daily Life:
  Difficulty performing routine activities, managing self-care, or maintaining independence due to illness symptoms or treatment side effects.
• Frequent Hospitalizations or Emergency Visits:
  Patients with complex medical needs who frequently require emergency care or hospital stays may benefit from the additional support provided by palliative care.
• Need for Emotional, Social, or Spiritual Support:
  Palliative care provides counseling, education, and spiritual care to address the emotional toll of serious illness on patients and their families.
• Desire for Care Coordination:
  Patients often need help navigating complex health care needs, managing multiple treatments, or ensuring their care aligns with their personal goals and values.

Who Can Refer to Palliative Care?

A consultation needs to be provided, and a referral needs to be initiated by:

• A treating physician or specialist.
• Hospital staff during a hospital stay.
• A family member or the patient.

Who Pays for Palliative Care?

Medicare, Medicaid, managed care plans (including HMOs), and most private insurance policies typically cover Palliative Care. If you want to confirm whether your insurance covers palliative care, our Access Coordinators are here to help. They can assist in verifying your insurance benefits and answer any questions about our services.