Hackensack University Medical Center’s Palliative Care Team is aligned with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s statement: “Palliative Care should not be confined to ‘end of life’ care…” but is “…an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering.”

 

Our team of expert caregivers specializes in minimizing pain and symptoms for patients with serious or chronic illnesses through a holistic, compassionate approach in conjunction with medical treatment and care. The team focuses on relief of stress, pain, symptoms while supporting the patients’ mind, body and spirit. Equally recognized by the team is the role of family and loved ones.

 

The Palliative Care team collaborates with physicians and nurses in the Intensive Care Units to provide answers, help and support to family and loved ones in this tough process. The family and healthcare providers meet to discuss and coordinate care and treatment for all stages of illness, work on advance care planning and identify interdisciplinary services to support the patients’ quality of life as well as patient and family values.

 

This extra layer of care offered by the Palliative Care team seeks to lessen the stress and tension surrounding an illness.  At Hackensack University Medical Center, our caregivers are proactive and forward-thinkers, thinking outside-the-box to surpass the way many aspects of care have been provided over time. When it comes to quality of life for our patients, we go beyond to make certain they are afforded nothing short of the best. Our team is committed to providing an exceptional patient experience through holistic patient-centered care.

 

For those interested in learning more about pain and palliative medicine for children, please contact the David Center for Children’s Pain and Palliative Medicine, part of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center, at 201-996-DAVE (3283).

 

 

 

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care specializes in the relief of stress, pain, and symptoms of serious illness.  The goal is to prevent and ease suffering to offer patients the best possible quality of life.  Care is holistic, supporting the patient’s mind, body, and spirit.  Palliative care is provided by Hackensack University Medical Center at the same time with other medical treatments.

 

Is Palliative Care the same as hospice?

No. Palliative care can be done at any stage of a serious or terminal illness.  Medical treatments and Palliative Care are complementary.  Hospice care focuses on end-of-life care.  People who decide to forgo treatment for their illness use Hospice Care for comfort measures. 

 

How can Palliative Care help me or my loved one?

Palliative Care is patient-centered; collaboration between the patient and the healthcare team. Palliative Care focuses on optimal symptom relief to facilitate patients’ coping with their disease/condition and enhancing quality of life.

 

What services are provided by Palliative Care?

 

- Expertise in relief of pain and symptoms such as: nausea, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, breathlessness, depression, and anxiety

- Open discussion and coordination of care and treatment among healthcare providers at all stages of illness

- Affiliated with Planetree; care philosophy maximizes patient opportunities for choices and to respect those choices

- Assistance and support in making difficult medical decisions; family and healthcare provider meetings

- Advance Care Planning

- Identify interdisciplinary services to support patient’s quality of life goals

 

When should I consider Palliative Care?

Palliative Care is appropriate for anyone suffering from pain or other symptoms from any serious illness. Consider Palliative Care if you need help understanding your situation or experience symptoms that are NOT under control.

 

How can I get help from Palliative Care?

You, your loved one, or any healthcare professional working with you can ask your doctor to call the Palliative Care Department and request that we come see you.

 

Will my doctor continue to care for me?

Yes. Your doctor will continue to care for you and will still be in charge of your care. The Palliative Care Team works with you and your doctor towards your personal quality of life goals.

 

Who is part of the Palliative Care team?

The Palliative Care team is specialized in caring and treating people with serious or terminal illness. The team includes:

 

- Palliative Physician

- Palliative Care Nurse

- Case Manager

- Social Worker

- Bioethics

- Hospice Coordinator

- Pastoral Care

- Pharmacists

- Nutritionists

- Volunteers

 

What can I expect from Palliative Care?

Expect a personalized holistic symptom approach; we will respect your personal values and choices. Palliative Care will accompany and support you, your loved ones, and your doctor through the journey of your illness.