What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized care that addresses the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients dealing with serious illnesses. The goal is to improve the quality of life, emphasizing care of the whole person, including family and loved ones. Palliative care is provided at UofL Health – UofL Hospital and UofL Health – Jewish Hospital 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.

Services

During a hospital stay, patients and their loved ones may face many difficult decisions. The palliative care team can help patients and their families sort through treatment options. We focus on improving communication among patients, their loved ones and members of the health care team.

Working to incorporate a patient’s values and hopes into a treatment plan, we relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea, anxiety and shortness of breath. Our approach focuses not only on physical symptoms but also on spiritual and emotional health.

The palliative care teams can assist with:

  • Managing distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and anxiety
  • Clarifying treatment options
  • Providing spiritual and psychological support to patients and their loved ones through all stages of illness
  • Facilitating communication among patients, their loved ones and their health care team
  • 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 from 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.

If you would like to donate to the Palliative Care Fund, please click here.

Learn more about palliative care

Outpatient Palliative Care

UofL Health – Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic offers a team-based approach aimed at improving the quality-of-life for patients at any stage of serious illness. Palliative care can be delivered alongside your treatments, including treatments aimed at cure. We can assist with:

  • Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, anxiety and nausea
  • Open discussions regarding patients’ values, goals and treatment options
  • Spiritual and emotional support for patients and families
  • Assistance with advance care planning
  • Connection with community resources

Who would benefit from our Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic?

  • Someone with ANY serious illness, such as:
    • Cancer
    • Advanced liver disease
    • Advanced COPD
    • Heart failure
    • Renal failure
    • Advanced dementia
    • Diabetes with complications
    • ALS
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Dependence on others for care
  • Increased health care needs
    • Frequent and/or long hospital stays
    • Skilled nursing or rehabilitation stays
  • Requests for assistance with planning their health care journey

It is never too early to begin palliative care. Appointments can be made by calling 502-587-4391, or by physician referral through Epic.

Palliative Care Locations

Palliative Care Providers

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