Improving quality of life

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialty care which addresses the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients dealing with serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life, emphasizing care of the whole person, including family and loved ones. Palliative care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and others who work together with a patient’s other health care providers to give individualized care and an extra layer of support.

The Palliative Care Team can assist with:

• Managing distressing symptom such as pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety
• Providing spiritual and psychological support
• Clarifying treatment options
• Facilitating communication between a patient, their loved ones and members of their health care team
• Coordinating care based on a patient’s values and hopes
• Establishing advance directives

When is Palliative Care helpful?

Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a patient’s illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative care is beneficial for those suffering with physical symptoms, emotional issues and spiritual concerns. It is helpful when patients and families have a difficult time making treatment decisions and need guidance in advance care planning.

Contact Us

UofL Health - Jewish Hospital
200 Abraham Flexner Way
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-587-4011
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