Palliative care means patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing and treating symptoms.  Palliative care throughout the continuum of illness involves addressing physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs and to facilitate patient autonomy, access to information and choice.

• Provides support and care for persons facing a debilitation or a serious illness and may be in conjunction with curative treatment
• Addresses the many needs of the patient and family through use of an interdisciplinary team
• Provides advanced management of pain and other distressing symptoms
• Offers support so patients can live as actively as possible
• Offers support to help families cope
• If desired and appropriate, facilitates transition to Hospice Services for end-of-life comfort care

Our Commitment

• We are committed to serving you and your family with personalized care planning, professional services and caring relationships within our health care ministry
• To provide excellent medical care that is holistic and seamless across our St. Joseph Health System settings
• To provide comfort, offering everything we can to manage pain and symptoms
• To bring compassionate care to strengthen relationships meaning and hope
• To communicate with you and your family so that you are central in decision-making
• To achieve the best quality of life for you and your family
• To support your family and loved ones

Who can receive this care?

Any person facing a debilitating or serious illness regardless of life expectancy, who requires homecare and has an order from a physician.

Can I continue to receive treatments to cure my illness?

Yes, you may receive palliative and curative treatments at the same time.

How long can I receive care?

This will depend upon your individual care needs and the insurance benefit you may have through Medicare, Medi-Cal or private insurance.

What services are provided?

Skilled nursing, Certified Home Health Aides, social services, rehabilitation, infusion services and coordination of durable medical equipment.

Who provides these services?

Our specialized team includes: a Palliative Care Medical Director, Pharmacist, Social Worker and Nurses who are trained in advanced symptom management.  The team meets regularly to collaborate with staff on how to best meet patient/family goals for care.  Patients and family members are invited to participate in conferences.