Get relief from symptoms of serious illnesses with a team of trained specialists
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach for people with both acute and chronic serious illness. It focuses on treating the symptoms of the disease, but not curing the disease itself.
When people experience serious illness, they may also encounter physical, psychological, social or spiritual issues because of their disease or treatment. Palliative care helps lessen pain, control symptoms and relieve stress for both the patient and family.
Ultimately, the goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life, assist with medical decisions and help patients and families navigate the healthcare system.
How do I know when to choose palliative care?
It might be confusing to know whether palliative is right for your loved one when they’re dealing with a serious illness. Consider the following questions:
- Does the patient have one or more serious illnesses? (Including but not limited to: ALS, cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, emphysema, lung disease or Parkinson’s.)
- Does the patient have symptoms that are preventing them from living their normal life? (Including anxiety, depression, discomfort, constipation, lack of appetite, fatigue, nausea or pain.)
- Does the patient (or caregiver) need assistance learning about what to expect, how to make decisions regarding medical care and understanding the benefits (or side effects) of treatments?
If you answered yes to these questions, you or a loved one might benefit from palliative care.
Which type of palliative care is right for me?
While all palliative care helps people manage symptoms of serious diseases, there are different approaches based on the patient’s individual situation.
Chronic Disease Symptom Management
Serious illnesses can come with a number of symptoms that can make patients’ lives difficult and uncomfortable. Our team can help manage them.
Pain Management
Many patients struggle with painful side effects from serious diseases. Palliative care can help them reach a higher level of comfort.
What if I need in-home primary care?
For those struggling with chronic illness who need support in their own home, in-home primary care is offered for anyone homebound with a serious illness or injury, regardless of age or prognosis.
What's included in palliative care?
Our team of experts provides help in the following ways:
- By identifying and addressing pain and discomfort. Our team provides patients with symptom control for problems with breathing, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.
- By ensuring patients’ needs are fully met while helping with clear communication between the family and doctors.
- By focusing on the entire person and offering support to patients who need help with emotional, psychological, spiritual or social needs.
- By offering support to family members and caregivers who undergo stress from helping those with a serious illness.
Who provides palliative care?
Hospice of Southwest Ohio partners with CareBridge Primary and Palliative Care of Cincinnati to provide support with a team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
The team works in conjunction with the patient’s primary care physician and referring specialists to help relieve pain and suffering associated with any illness, at any time. Our services are available in Clermont, Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties.
How do I pay for palliative care?
Everything depends on the patient’s individual plan, but palliative care is covered by most private insurance companies, and Medicare generally covers 80% of all palliative charges.
Do I need a doctor referral for palliative care?
Likely, yes, the patient will need to get a referral from their physician or doctor in order to get palliative care services. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help facilitate the request.
