Palliative Care Inside of the Hospital

Our inpatient palliative care team can be consulted for an admitted patient anytime and by anyone - hospital staff, family or patient. The palliative care team is often consulted for help with symptom management, discussions around goals of care and treatment options, as well as patient/family support.

  • Pain and symptom management: We help you get relief from pain and stubborn side effects of treatments, including nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety and more. Even if other solutions haven’t worked, we may be able to help.

  • Care coordination: Palliative care team members help you and your loved ones learn more about your care options so you can make good decisions. We can also help you communicate your wishes to your medical team.

  • Assistance with practical matters: Our palliative care social workers help solve problems and address barriers to care. For example, we will help coordinate completion of advanced directives, refer you to community resources and explain your health insurance options.

  • Emotional support: Our team lends a caring ear anytime you or your loved ones need it. We also help you find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation and relaxation techniques.

  • Spiritual care: Our dedicated chaplains are available for spiritual and emotional support, no matter what your spiritual or religious affiliation is. Common requests from chaplains are to be a listening ear, help you think through your thoughts and feelings around your illness, support in feelings of existential distress, prayer, Scripture, faith-based counseling, and care coordination with your own clergy. Our chaplain colleagues through the Pastoral Care Department  are also available on nights and weekends.

  • Complementary therapies: Some of our palliative care volunteers offer acupuncture, massage or Reiki when requested and with the supervision of our team. These specialty volunteers are all licensed and/or certified in their field of practice. Find out about becoming a palliative care volunteer.

  • Legal services: We connect patients/families to legal partners who may help you and your family navigate legal needs related to serious illness, such as wills and other end-of-life needs.

  • Legacy work: Our volunteers help patients and loved ones feel connected to one another, even when apart. Legacy work may include creating keepsakes, such as fingerprint art, and journaling to preserve family memories. Learn more about Legacy work.

  • Bereavement support: Following end-of-life cases, we help loved ones process feelings of grief and loss. These services are available to loved ones for up to one year after a family member’s passing.