What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is a specialized treatment option that offers advanced pain and symptom management to patients with chronic, progressive illness - such as, heart disease, lung disease, advanced dementia or cancer - regardless of their prognosis. The goal of Pallliative Care is to improve the quality of a patient's life.
Who is Palliative Care Associates of Rhode Island?
Our team of specialists includes the largest number of Board-Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians and Nurse Practitioners in the state. Their education and expertise make them uniquely qualified to help patients with chronic illness to achieve comfort and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
What Services do Palliative Care Associates of Rhode Island Provide?
Our specialists are available to help patients in the home and in the hospital and nursing home residents who have advanced chronic illness, and their loved ones by:
- Helping families set clear goals for treatment and supporting them through difficult medical decisions
- Evaluating a patient's pain and other symptoms and making treatment recommendations specific to their situation
- Identifying additional support services in the community
- Enhancing coordination of care and communication among doctors, nurses, counselors and other healthcare providers.
The Palliative Care team takes into account the unique needs of the patient and can offer recommendations for managing symptoms, which may include pain, fatigue, constipation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, incontinence, confusion, lack of appetite, dry mouth, and skin problems among others. In addition to drug therapies, non-pharmacological solutions are suggested that may help comfort patients and relieve stress. They can include Reiki, massage, music and pet therapy.
When Should I Call for a Consult?
- If a patient or nursing home resident is experiencing any type of pain or symptoms that are not easily controlled or do not consistently respond to prescribed interventions.
- If a patient or nursing home resident has had severe pain for more than 24 hours.
- If a patient or nursing home resident has demonstrated a change in behavior or a decline in functional status and the etiology is unknown.
A nurse practitioner or physician will assess the patient's plan of care, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well being and will make recommendations for care to the staff. Staff will contact the primary care physician to discuss the recommendations and obtain orders to implement the plan of care.
For more information about our Palliative Care services, call (401) 782-0725.