Providing outreach and support services, our Palliative Bridge Program serves patients suffering from a life-limiting illness, but are not yet eligible for hospice services. Unlike Hospice, Palliative care is available at any time in a patient’s disease, from diagnosis and throughout curative treatments. Our Palliative Care coordinator provides education about post-acute care options and community resources available to patients with complex conditions.
The number of sessions will be determined by the patient and family in conjunction with the Palliative care coordinator. Sessions may be provided in a patient’s home, a hospital, a clinic or other setting as determined by patient and coordinator
Palliative bridge goals:
- To help patients and families understand their options and the decisions facing them as they pursue treatment
- To assist patients and families in processing complicated medical circumstances and evaluating impactful personal decisions
- To improve quality of life through education, support, and continuity of care during transitional periods
- To assist families in coping with the changing health status of their loved one.
Palliative Services:
- Evaluation of patient and family needs
- Development of individualized goals of care
- Emotional and spiritual support and counseling
- Education related to practical coping strategies
- Advocacy and referrals to community resources
- Formulation of Advance Directives
Our Palliative Bridge Program, driven by Physicians and Nurse Practitioners, aims to help patients with symptomatic management. Some of these symptoms include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sleep loss