What is Palliative Care?

The term Palliative Care is being spoken of more often lately.   But what is it? Is it the same as hospice care? Is it for the final days of life? Where is it provided? Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) provides palliative care. Let us help you understand it better.

Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness and the goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative Care is provided by a team of doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers who work together to provide an extra layer of support.

Unlike hospice care, the patient does not have to meet the six-month diagnosis of a terminal illness. It is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness and patients can continue to receive curative treatments while receiving palliative care.

It can begin at any time you and your doctor believe it will help. But the ideal time is when the diagnosis is first confirmed and continues throughout the illness. Care is provided wherever the patient calls home: private family home, nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital. The palliative care team works together with your current healthcare provider to help meet your wishes and goals.

Palliative care is covered by most private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. JACH will help determine your coverage.

If you or a loved one are facing a serious illness and feel palliative care could be a benefit, please contact JACH at 815.740.4104 or visit joliethospice.org for a consultation or more information. Joliet Area Community Hospice is our community’s choice for quality hospice, palliative care and community grief support.   JACH is a proud United Way Agency.