Palliative Care

Master Level Social Workers experienced in Palliative Care

Nurses, Rehab Therapists, and LNAs working with a Palliative Care approach

• When faced with a new or ongoing chronic progressive illness such as cancer, heart, lung or kidney disease.
• When struggling with treatments and their side effects.
• If you or a loved one are simply having trouble understanding your condition and options, and are uncertain about the path ahead.

• Understanding and exploring ways to best manage unwanted symptoms, pain, and discomfort and optimize quality of life
• Finding resources to help with the practicalities and necessities of daily living
• Emotional support when you are at a crossroads and need to make difficult decisions
• Help with Advance Care Planning (ACP), including advance healthcare directives and Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Palliative Care Social Workers are trained ACP facilitators and will help you make sure your wishes are communicated, documented, and that
decision making burdens are eased for you and your family.

Palliative Care Support at HCS is available to patients receiving HCS home-based visiting nurse or rehabilitation services. Palliative Care at HCS requires a physician order and may be covered under insurance. Patients without insurance may be eligible for a grant-funded Palliative Care Social Work visit.

For more information, please call Care Coordination at HCS at 603-352-2253.

Palliative Care is an approach to care that focuses on relief from symptoms, pain, and stressors – whatever the stage of the illness. Palliative Care Support at HCS is an extra layer of support that can be offered to our patients while receiving home-based visiting nurse or  rehabilitative services. As this layer of support is provided within skilled home care services, it is short term in nature. Palliative Care Support at HCS is a person-centered, Social Work-led service that prioritizes your needs, concerns, and wishes for your best quality of life.

• Support includes:
  Palliative Care Conversations in which we get to know you and your goals
• Evaluation of pain and discomfort
• Support navigating the healthcare system, understanding options and resources, and coping with your situation
• Guidance in weighing and making choices – both practical and complex
• Assistance around any area of stress impacting your quality of life