smiling nurse check pulse on senior man near throat

Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

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. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

The Palliative Care Team works together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.
 

care & support

Inpatient Palliative Care

At CMC, our palliative care team works to understand a patient’s goals and how to reach them. This can include interventions to relieve distressing symptoms as well as provide guidance in making important or difficult decisions.

Team of Specialists

Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach—your team may include:

  • Physicians
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Social workers
  • Nurses
  • Therapists
  • Chaplains
  • Other care givers to help meet your unique needs and goals

 

FAQs

Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
No.  Palliative care is for any patient at any stage of illness, regardless of their treatment outcomes.  It is meant to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of conditions such as cancer, respiratory disease such as COPD, heart disease such as CHF, dementia, and many more.
What can I expect from palliative care?
You can expect palliative care to improve your quality of life by discussing your goals of care and relieving symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. You can also expect better communication and more control over your care.

Palliative care can also help you match your treatment choices to your goals and cope as you undergo medical treatments.
Will my insurance cover palliative care?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or part of palliative care. If costs concern you, your palliative care team can have a social worker or financial consultant guide you through payment options.
Do I have to give up my doctor?
No. The palliative care team works with the physicians, nurses, and specialists who are treating you.
Does palliative care mean that I have to stop treatment? 
Absolutely not. You can have palliative care at the same time as curative treatment. Palliative care will help you be more informed and feel more empowered with making decisions regarding your care and treatment. 
 

Quicklinks

Meet our Palliative Medicine Team


The Palliative Medicine team can be reached at: 
tel: 603.665.4961
fax: 603.663.8015

Our Locations

Palliative Care
Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor StreetManchester NH 03102
603.665.4961