PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM
Palliative Care is specialized medical care focused on improving the quality of life for people with serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses. Those who struggle with pain and symptoms brought on by serious illness, but who are not ready or do not qualify for hospice, often benefit from palliative care.
All Care’s Palliative Care program is provided by a team of registered nurses and nurse practitioners who work together with your doctor to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.
What to Expect From Palliative Care:
- Relief from symptoms including pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, numbness, problems with sleep and much more
- In-depth communication with you and your family about your goals, concerns and treatment options – and how to match your goals to those options
- Coordination of care among all your health care providers
- Improved ability to carry on with daily life
- Emotional, practical, and spiritual support for you and your family
What Services Are Included
- Home visits by registered nurses and nurse practitioners
- Individualized focus on pain and symptom management
- 24-hour telephone support, helping to avoid ER visits and re-hospitalizations
- Advanced directive conversations
- Caregiver education
- Transition to hospice care if/when needed
Comparing Palliative and Hospice Care
Palliative Care
- Covered under Medicare B and most private insurances
- Eligibility not based on life expectancy
- Provided at same time as curative treatment
- Creates a care plan and goals with patient, family and medical team
Both
- Pain and symptom relief
- Quality of life and comfort
- 24-hour on call for crisis management
- Interdisciplinary team
- Support for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
Hospice
- 100% covered under Medicare A, Medicaid and most private insurances
- Eligibility guidelines set by Medicare, 6-months or less to live if disease runs its expected course
- Excludes curative treatment
- Intensive support for patient and family
Call 781-598-2454 to schedule an appointment today or to learn more about the Palliative Care program.