What Is Palliative Care
Palliative care is a medical specialty that seeks to improve quality of life through the management of symptoms in patients with chronic and often life threatening illness. Palliative care can be provided at any age and at any stage of an illness.
The Palliative Care Service team at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital provides added assistance in meeting the medical and psycho-social needs of the medically frail and elderly, as well as those with advanced, progressive diseases.
Setting the Record Straight
Myths and Facts About Palliative Care
Myth: It is the same as hospice
Hospice care is palliative care at the end of life, specifically the last six months of life, and is a fully covered Medicare benefit. Palliative care is broader and can begin at any stage of a serious illness.
Myth: It is only for cancer patients
Palliative care providers address symptom management such as pain control, and also help set goals of medical care that can range from a complete cure to comfort measures only, for many conditions.
What You Can Expect From Palliative Care
Palliative care helps you carry on with your daily life and improves your ability to go through medical treatments. It helps you better understand your condition and assists you in making your choices for medical care and goals.
Palliative care also provides guidance to the family in caregiving, easing the strain on the caregiver and family. In short, you can expect the best possible quality of life.
Relief You Can Expect
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Pain and shortness of breath
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Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
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Constipation and nausea
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Loss of appetite
Who Provides Palliative Care
In conjunction with physicians and nursing staff, palliative or supportive care providers work to educate patients and families on disease processes and care availability. Consults and care coordination are available to reduce distressing symptoms and enhance quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.
A palliative care physician and nurse practitioner are provided for hospitalized patients by Supportive Medical Partners (SMP), an affiliate of The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care and Great Lakes Health Care System. In addition to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, SMP also provides palliative care at Buffalo General Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital and HighPointe Skilled Nursing Facility.
Special Accommodations for Young Adults
Through a donation by the Anthony V. Mannino Foundation, Inc, young adults can also find comfort suitable to their specific needs at Millard Fillmore Suburban in Anthony’s Room. It is a space specially outfitted for and dedicated to those aged 18 to 26 who medically require hospitalization but emotionally need loved ones close by, and the ability to feel more at home.
The AVM Foundation is a local organization whose mission is to financially assist and bring attention to treatment gaps that young adults face while undergoing cancer treatment. Learn more about the AVM Foundation and the compelling story behind their mission.
Learn more about palliative care
To learn more about the Anthony V. Mannino Foundation or to ask about palliative care services, reach out using the options below.