Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. Care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness-whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support.
Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided together with curative treatment.
Working closely with your primary doctor, Palliative Care provides:
- Expert treatment to relieve your pain and symptoms.
- Close communication about your illness and treatment choices.
- Coordination of your care among all of your health care providers.
- Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.
- Referral and coordination of home care services.
- Help in navigating the health care system.
- Assistance with difficult treatment choices.
- Detailed practical information and assistance.
What you should know about Palliative Care:
- You can continue to receive care to cure your illness and Palliative Care at the same time.
- Palliative Care focuses on managing symptoms that are causing discomfort, while you continue with your medical treatments.
- Palliative care helps at all stages of illness. It is best introduced early in your care, and can be helpful whether your illness is curable, chronic or life-threatening.
Is Palliative Care the same as Hospice Care?
No. Hospice Care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of a serious illness.
What can I expect from Palliative Care?
- Relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite.
- Improved ability to carry on with your daily life.
- Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments.
- Better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care.
To contact the Palliative Care Program, call (516) 296-2103
Clinical Staff
Daniel Cogan, NP (Director)