Palliative Care
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.
How to access Palliative Care
Please see specific information regarding referral by location. More details about individual palliative care programs can be found on facility palliative care pages below:
For other information about locations that offer palliative care please click on Locations.
Saint Joseph East
150 N. Eagle Creek Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
859.278.4869
See Map & Directions
Saint Joseph Hospital
1 Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington, KY 40504
859.278.4869
See Map & Directions
