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Palliative Care
Palliative care is supportive care for patients with a serious illness of any kind. The goal is to relieve pain, symptoms, and stress, and provide the best quality of life for patients and their families.
When is the right time for palliative care?
Palliative care helps through all stages of illness. It is best introduced early in your care, and may be provided at the same time as curative medical treatments.
How is palliative care provided?
At Suburban Hospital, a multidisciplinary team will work closely with your primary physician to address all of your concerns. The team is headed by a palliative care fellowship-trained physician and includes a pain and palliative care nurse practitioner, counselor (who incorporates integrative medicine techniques), chaplain, nutritionist, and massage therapist.
What can I expect from the palliative care team?
- Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping
- Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
- Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
- Complementary and alternative treatment options
- Better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care
- Emotional and spiritual support for both patient and family members
- Help navigating the healthcare system and arranging support after discharge
Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
No. Hospice care is meant for patients at the end stages of disease. Palliative care may be introduced at any stage of serious illness.
How do I request a palliative care consultation?
Talk to your physician or nurse. For further information, please contact the palliative care team at 301.896.3765.