End of Life: Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to the comprehensive management of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of seriously ill patients. It is important to note that palliative care is different from hospice. While hospice does provide palliative care, its primary focus is on terminally ill patients – those who no longer seek a cure for their illness and who are expected to live for about six months or less. Palliative care is appropriate at any point during an illness and can be provided at the same time as treatment that is meant to cure. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life through the relief of suffering and control of symptoms. Palliative care helps patients gain the strength to carry on with daily life, improves their ability to tolerate medical treatments, helps them better understand their choices for care, and provides support for their families and caregivers.

The Sansum Clinic Palliative Care Team provides customized treatment to meet the needs of each patient. Services include:

• Assessment and review of patient’s plan of care, including identifying patient’s needs
• Collaboration with the clinician’s treatment of patient by providing patient-family case management, help navigating the healthcare system, care coordination and effective management of complex and changing symptoms
• Guidance with difficult and complex treatment choices, as well as preparing patient and family for the end-of-life process
• Advance care planning 
• Providing resources and referrals for bereavement services
• Other services as needed, such as coordinating discharge services with the appropriate hospice or home care program, and then ensuring the full support of everyone during the transition

For more information, visit the Sansum Clinic website or call (805) 879-0675.