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The Pathways Palliative Care Program at Hospice of the North Coast personalizes the treatment program for each patient. Living with a life-changing illness can be challenging, to say the least. Every aspect of the human condition is considered with palliative care. Pathways looks at ways to effectively treat the whole person. It doesn’t “just” look at ways of managing pain and acute symptoms; the goal is to find ways to show each patient how best to cope with the diagnosis they have received.
PATHWAYS IS DIFFERENT THAN TRADITIONAL HOSPICE
Patients no longer seeking curative treatment find comfort in hospice care. Pathways Palliative Care is open to anyone with a serious illness, not necessarily considered terminal, and at any stage of the illness. The team at Pathways works with primary care physicians and assists the patient with managing symptoms. As well, the Pathways team can help the patient identify care goals and offer options for how best the patient can meet those goals.
COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT
Just as in hospice situations, the Pathways Palliative Care team seeks to improve communication between the patient, family members, and health care providers – both palliative and non-palliative primary care doctors. The first order of business is the care of the patient, and communication between all parties involved with care services provided and needed is a must. It is essential for everyone to come together with the best interests and highest quality of care for the patient in the forefront of every decision. It is also important to explore every avenue that could be of benefit to the patient and his/her family. The patient’s wishes and desires are at the heart of every treatment plan.
SUPPORT AND EDUCATION
The Pathways Palliative Care Program was developed to offer support and education, as needed. It does not interfere with medical treatment; it complements and enhances any care program for the betterment of the patient. It brings people together in consultative mode.
When a loved one is first faced with a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, don’t wait to seek help. It is a very stressful time and you don’t need to wait to have access to the benefits and resources that the Pathways Palliative Care Program can provide.
