Focusing on What Matters Most : Palliative Care
For patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress while improving quality of life. At Patient Focus Physicians Associates, our palliative care team brings this vital expertise directly into patients’ homes.
At our medical facility, we strive to provide tailored pain and symptom management services to our patients. We understand that everyone experiences pain and symptoms differently, and we want to make sure that you receive the personalized care you deserve. Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Comprehensive pain assessments and customizable treatment schedules: Our team of experts will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure your comfort and well-being.
- Management of common end-of-life symptoms: We are trained to manage a range of end-of-life symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, and poor appetite. We will do everything we can to help alleviate your symptoms.
- Adjustment of medications and dosages as a patient’s needs change over time: We understand that your needs may change over time, which is why we will continually adjust your medications and dosages to meet your changing needs.
- Non-pharmacological symptom control including massage, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle strategies: We believe in a holistic approach to pain and symptom management. That’s why we offer non-pharmacological options such as massage, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle strategies to help alleviate your symptoms.
- Alternative or complementary therapies like acupuncture and guided imagery as desired: We understand that some patients may be interested in alternative or complementary therapies. If desired, we offer options such as acupuncture and guided imagery to help manage your pain and symptoms.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible and will work with you to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your treatment.
Coordination of Care
- Communicating regularly with primary care physicians and specialists involved in patients’ care.
- Involving home health agencies, hospice teams, and care facilities as needed.
- Evaluating and recommending options for psychological, cultural, and spiritual support services.
- Arranging referrals for equipment, devices, and resources to ease daily living.
- Helping navigate insurance coverage, financial assistance, and legal planning.
Advance Care Planning
We assist patients and families with:
- Documenting goals, values, and priorities for end-of-life care.
- Completing advanced directives like living wills, medical powers of attorney, and POLST forms.
- Understanding the role of aggressive treatments versus focusing on comfort at the end of life.
- Discuss scenarios and options to prepare for future health states and medical decisions.
- Being Informed of probable disease progression to facilitate preparedness and peace of mind.
Support for Patients and Loved Ones
- A comforting presence for patients during difficult times
- Reassurance, validation, and encouragement at every visit.
- An “open door” policy for questions, updates, and emerging concerns.
- Emotional support for family members, caregivers, and loved ones involved in patients’ care.
- Connection to grief counseling, support groups, and community resources.
Honoring Patients’ End-of-Life Wishes
- Make informed healthcare decisions aligned with their priorities.
- Identify meaningful experiences and “bucket list” items to pursue when possible.
- Minimize burdensome interventions and focus on comfort instead.
- Remain in their preferred environment – often their own home – for as long as feasible.
- Depart this life with dignity, grace, and as little suffering as possible.
If you or a loved one lives with a serious illness and could benefit from our palliative care services, please contact us. Our goal is simple yet profound: to help you live fully with an illness that cannot be cured. We strive to relieve any pain, distress, or unmet needs so you can treasure the moments that truly matter most. Please let us know how we can support you.