Supportive & Palliative Care
You don’t have to face the challenges of a serious illness alone. Let St. Bernards Healthcare’s compassionate palliative care team guide your journey. We provide support, treatment and education to make life easier and help you feel better. Ask for our services wherever you receive care: in the hospital, during clinic visits or in the comfort of home.
Do I Need Palliative Care?
Your doctor may recommend palliative care if you receive a diagnosis of any serious illness, such as:
If your child has a serious health condition, explore pediatric palliative care.
Goals of Care
Palliative care can:
- Relieve pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, undesired weight loss and other symptoms
- Ease stress by providing spiritual, social and emotional support for you and your loved ones
- Help you make care decisions based on your goals and values
Services for Your Family
You may benefit from:
- Medical care that relieves symptoms of your illness and side effects of treatment
- Medication review by a pharmacist to optimize treatment and prevent dangerous medication interactions
- Social work services, including counseling, education and referrals to community resources
- Home healthcare to help you safely live more independently
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy to relieve pain, increase strength and improve your ability to do daily tasks
- Nutrition counseling with a dietitian who helps you plan delicious, easy-to-prepare meals that fill your health needs
- Behavioral healthcare for anxiety, depression and other concerns
- Pastoral care, including prayer, the Catholic Sacraments, comfort and encouragement
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
Palliative care and hospice services both focus on comfort. Palliative care is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, including people who receive treatment to cure a disease or slow its progression. Hospice care is for people who have stopped curative treatment and are expected to live another six months or fewer.
Learn about hospice care at St. Bernards, including in-home services and our Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.
