Palliative care focuses on providing medical care for the symptoms and stress of a serious illness – at any stage. The ultimate goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family. At Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York, we know that dealing with the diagnosis and symptoms of a limiting, serious, or even terminal illness can affect the individual and their family in many ways. During this stressful and difficult time, Richmond University Medical Center provides comprehensive palliative care services for patients and their loved ones.
About Palliative Care
Any individual diagnosed with a serious, limiting, or terminal illness can request palliative care if they are suffering pain, stress, or symptoms related to their illness. Some examples of illnesses or conditions include the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Palliative care can be provided in many places including the hospital, outpatient facilities, and at home. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care.
It is also important to note that palliative care is not the same as hospice care. While both palliative and hospice care focus on improving quality of life, hospice focuses on continuing comfort care when a person’s condition has progressed to the last phases of a terminal illness. A patient does not need to be diagnosed with a terminal illness to receive palliative care, and if necessary, Richmond University Medical Center’s palliative care team can offer hospice care as well.
Palliative care does not replace primary care treatments. Instead, the palliative care team works alongside the primary care services being provided, offering an extra layer of support for the patient and their families.
Our Palliative Care Services
At Richmond University Medical Center, we have assembled a team of caring, highly skilled specialists to provide unmatched patient-centered care. Our palliative care team includes specially trained physicians, nurses, social workers, pastoral care providers, and additional specialists, all of who provide the following services:
- Care coordination: We ensure the seamless delivery of services and support in coordination with your primary care provider.
- Behavioral health counseling: We are here to help with stress, anxiety, and emotional needs.
- Pain management: In consultation with your medical providers, we provide additional relief and improve comfort.
- Spiritual care: We provide religious services and faith-based guidance and comfort from clergy of all faiths.
- Social service referrals: We identify and connect patients with community resources that further expand needed services.
- Home/facility care management: We coordinate services either in a facility or at home to ensure comfort and ease.
- End-of-life planning: We provide discreet and respectful assistance with do not resuscitate orders, funeral arrangements, and advanced directives.
Learn More About Palliative Care at Richmond University Medical Center
For more information about our palliative care services in Staten Island, New York, contact Richmond University Medical Center today. Friendly and knowledgeable representatives can be reached at 718-818-4104.
