Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to the special care given to patients with serious illnesses. Physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and others work together to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

For many years CVPH patients and families facing serious illness and difficult health care decisions have benefited from a coordinated palliative care program. Palliative Care patients do not have to have a terminal illness to receive services and they can continue to seek treatment.

Staff work with patients to establish goals to meet the patient's own particular needs and to achieve the best quality of life possible. Included as part of the palliative care program are:

• Pain and Symptom Management
• Emotional and Spiritual Support
• Patient and Family Education
• Information About Community Resources
• Education (including an explanation of services, procedures, terminology, life support measures etc.)

A doctor's order is needed for palliative care. Deborah Lang, M.D. Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care, serves as specialist physician consultant for the Palliative Care Program.

Hospice

Hospice of the North Country (link to website)