“There is always hope. Hope of good pain control. Hope for being with family, friends, and loved ones. Hope for physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort. Hope for respect and compassion”
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness - whatever the diagnosis. The palliative care team works with the patient's physicain to provide an extra layer of support. This may include discussions with the patient and family to develop a plan of care that reflects mutually agreed upon goal for treatment, comfort, including managing symptoms and controlling pain.
Palliative care benefits patients and families dealing with the demands of serious illnesses such as but not limited to cancer, chronic heart and lung disease, dementia, stroke, or frailty associated with aging. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and any stage of a serious illness. Early palliative care intervention can help prepare patients and families for the future by discussing advance care planning. Hospice is a special type of palliative care when life expectancy is less than six months and may be a part of a patient's treatment plan.
Palliative care may be initiated during hospitalization. The WRMC palliative care team can arrange referrals to agencies to continue palliative care services after discharge from the hospital. For more information contact Amber Calendar, APRN, Palliative Care Coordinator at acalendar@wrmc.com or at 870-262-2159.