ABOUT PALLIATIVE CARE

UNDERSTANDING & PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?

Palliative care is provided to improve the quality of life of patients who have serious chronic or life-threatening disease. The goal is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems. Palliative care is provided at the patient’s residence and is scheduled at the patient’s convenience.

Palliative Care Provides Relief from Distressing Symptoms Including:

  • Pain

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Nausea

  • Appetite Loss

  • Sleep Issues

  • Constipation

  • Fatigue

A smiling elderly woman in a wheelchair with a young, happy female healthcare worker embracing her from behind outdoors, with a forest backdrop.

Appalachian Palliative Care does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, services, their ability to pay and/or in employment. Appalachian Hospice does not serve patients under the age of 18.

PALLIATIVE CARE IS DIFFERENT FROM HOSPICE CARE

Palliative care is offered to patients that are still seeking treatment for an illness. Patients receiving care from Appalachian’s Palliative Care Program are not forfeiting their other Medicare, Medicaid or insurance benefits. Palliative care can bring comfort and enhance a patient’s quality of life while the patient is receiving care for their illness.

Common Palliative Care Diagnoses Include:

Kidney Failure, Liver Disease, MS/Parkinsons, Cancer, COPD, Dementia, Heart Disease

Palliative Care Services Include:

  • Managing symptoms related to patient’s illness

  • Medication management

  • Communication with patient’s MD

  • Advanced care planning

  • Spiritual care

  • Social worker counseling

  • An extension of and in coordination with your primary care physician

Elderly woman in wheelchair smiling at a younger woman standing beside her in a bright room with a potted plant.

A DEDICATED CARE TEAM

YOUR PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM

The Palliative Care team may consist of, but is not limited to the following team members:

  • Physicians

  • Nurse Practitioners

  • Social Workers

  • Chaplains

  • Nurses.

Nurse caring for elderly woman in a hospital bed

PALLIATIVE CARE & INSURANCE

Palliative Care is covered by most insurances:

  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

  • Veterans Affairs

  • Managed Care

  • Marketplace Insurance

  • Private Insurance

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER PALLIATIVE CARE?

Palliative care is appropriate for patients who suffer from any illness that causes long-term pain and discomfort or a chronic condition that causes periodic symptoms. Palliative care can be received at any stage of serious illness and unlike hospice care you can continue to seek curative care at the same time.

If you have questions about whether palliative care is right for you or your loved one talk to your physician or give us a call at 706-781-0924 (for our Blairsville Office) or 706-253-4015 (for our Jasper Office).

Elderly man sitting in a wheelchair with a younger man smiling at him, touching his shoulder, indoors.

An Overview of Similarities and Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Image with text questions about healthcare, including treatment eligibility, symptom relief, ongoing treatment, Medicare coverage, private insurance coverage, care duration, and care location.
Infographic about palliative care eligibility, benefits, and locations. Includes text: 'Anyone with a serious illness,' 'Yes, as much as possible,' 'Yes, if you wish,' 'Depends on benefits and plan,' 'Depends on the plan,' 'Depends on care needed and insurance plan.' Lists locations: Home, Assisted living facility, Personal care home, Nursing home, Hospital.
Infographic about hospice care eligibility and services. Describes who qualifies for hospice care, mentions symptom relief, and insurance coverage. Lists potential locations for receiving care, including home, assisted living, and hospitals.

An Overview of Similarities and Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

CONTACT US

Our dedicated team is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns.