Compassionate Palliative Care in Atlanta
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness, with the goal of improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments and is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness.
Palliative care is ideal for:
- Patients undergoing aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or dialysis.
- Patients dealing with difficult symptom management.
- Families facing decisions about end-of-life care, advance directives, or goals of care.
Symptom and Medication Management
- Pain and symptom relief, including for patients with cancer, heart disease, and pulmonary diseases.
- Assistance with understanding and managing medications.
- Preventing hospitalizations and unnecessary doctor visits.
Holistic Patient and Family Support
- Emotional and psychological support from specially trained social workers.
- Spiritual care tailored to the needs of patients and families.
- Communication and coordination with all healthcare providers to ensure goals of care are clearly documented and followed.
Continuity of Care
- Coordination between all your providers as you move between care settings.
- In-home nurse practitioner visits to help manage symptoms and avoid emergency room visits.
- Assistance with transitioning from aggressive treatments to comfort-based care.
Community Resources
- Referrals to local services, including medical supply stores, meal delivery programs, and peer support groups.
- Access to ongoing bereavement support for families after a loved one’s passing.
This program offers specialized support to patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, and practical needs:
- Care Goals: Helping patients and families discuss and document their healthcare goals.
- Symptom Management: Relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
- Medication Support: Assistance in understanding how to use medications effectively.
- Communication: Clear explanations about medical conditions and what to expect as they progress.
- Emotional and Spiritual Support: For patients and caregivers, including social work and spiritual guidance.
- Care Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication between all healthcare providers.
- Community Referrals: For social and practical assistance.
- Bereavement Services: Support for families after a loved one’s death.
For Patients
- Effective management of pain and symptoms.
- Clear understanding of prognosis and healthcare goals.
- Care provided in the comfort of their home or residence.
For Families
- Better coping with the emotional toll of illness.
- Reduced confusion and increased satisfaction with care.
- Confidence in the patient’s care plan, thanks to in-home assessments.
For Healthcare Providers
- Enhanced communication with patients and families.
- Improved in-home assessments and more effective coordination.
