Palliative Care

Hospice of the Valleys (HOV) offers palliative care services for those who are not in need of hospice care, but who do have a life-limiting illness. Palliative care addresses the symptoms of a disease regardless of life expectancy, while hospice care addresses those symptoms when the patient's life expectancy can be thought of in terms of months rather than years.

Palliative care:

• focuses on relieving suffering
• improves the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses
• includes psychological and spiritual care
• offers support services to the patient's family
• is appropriate for those of any age and at any stage of advanced illness
• is covered by insurance just as any other specialty physician visit

While pain and symptom management constitute the cornerstone of palliative care, curative treatments may be provided along with palliative treatments. Some people refer to palliative care as "comfort care" because of its attention to improving quality of life and controlling symptoms. HOV's palliative care program strives to give individuals the opportunity to live their lives as actively as possible.

Where is the care delivered?

Palliative care consultations may occur in the home, hospital or a long-term care facility.

What types of diagnoses make a patient eligible for palliative care?

The HOV Palliative Care team serves individuals with a wide range of conditions. Diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

• Alzheimer's
• Dementia
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease (CHF, CAD, Cardiomyopathy)
• Coma
• End Stage Liver Disease such as Cirrhosis
• End Stage Renal Disease
• AIDS
• Neuromuscular Diseases (ALS, MS)
• Non-Malignant Brain Tumors
• Pulmonary Disease (COPD, Cystic Fibrosis)
• Stroke/CVA

Benefits to Patients and Their Families

Patients participating in a palliative care program will experience relief of distress from symptoms such as pain, nausea, breathlessness, anxiety, depression, fatigue and weakness. Additional assistance is provided to guide patients and their families in navigating the complex medical system and help them understand the patient's plan of care.

What types of support are offered to patients and their families and their physicians?

The physician or nurse practitioner will evaluate the medical and symptom management needs of patients. Palliative physicians and nurse practitioners collaborate with the patients and their primary care physicians and other health care professionals to promote patient well-being and symptom control. Recommendations for changes to the treatment plan are communicated to the referring physician as well as discussed with the patient and family.

How to refer for a palliative care consultation

Our physicians and nurse practitioners are available for consultations daily. If you have questions about this service or if you wish to make a referral, please call (951) 200-7800.