Palliative Care

Improving the lives of patients with serious illnesses and their families

 

A Commitment to Compassion

 

Here’s what you should know about Palliative Care ...

 

Palliative care is medical care focused on relief of the pain, symptoms, and stress of serious illness - whatever the diagnosis.

 

The goal is to help people live comfortably and to provide the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

 

How can Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Palliative Care help?

 

When you are or your loved one is faced with a life-limiting or serious illness, you need answers, relief, expertise, and support. You need specialized help.

 

Our team of physicians, nurses and social workers makes sure that all your concerns are addressed.

We work closely with your primary doctor, to provide:

• Expert treatment of pain and symptoms
• Close communication and a commitment to compassionate care
• Help in navigating the healthcare system
• Guidance with difficult treatment choices
• Home care coordination and referral
• Detailed practical information and assistance
• Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family

When is the right time to get Palliative Care?

Palliative Care helps through all stages of illness.

It can be introduced early in your care, and provided at the same time as curative treatments.

 

Palliative Care is not Hospice

Hospice care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life, while palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a serious illness.

 

What to Expect from Palliative Care:

• Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping
• Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
• Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
• Better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care

How to get Palliative Care:

To begin palliative care, please ask your doctor for a referral .

 

Our Palliative Care team may include:

• Physician with a focus in palliative medicine
• Physician’s Assistant
• Pain Management and Palliative Care Nurses
• Masters’ prepared social worker
• Chaplain
• To include other disciplines as needed to meet the patients’ needs.

Contact Us:

• Voice messaging system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• The team is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., for new patients.

 

For more information or to consult the team, call 229.353.6253.