KATHERINE KRAUSE Katherine is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the President and CEO of VNA Texas .
Dear Katherine , I have heard a lot lately about palliative care . Can you tell me — what is palliative care and how is it different from your other services ?
-Curious About Palliative Care
Dear Curious About Palliative Care , Palliative care is by definition : “ specialized medical care for people with serious illness . This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness . The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family .” At VNA we do this through an interdisciplinary team of physicians , nurses , social workers , chaplains , and personal care attendants . We provide this care in conjunction with your current treatment protocols and goals , and your current physicians . You no longer have to choose between comfort care and treatment .
~ Katherine
Dear Katherine , My mother is moving into the area to be closer to our family and we feel she may be approaching the time where we are considering hospice . I worry that we are “ giving up ” on her . Can you help ?
-Not Ready to Give Up
Dear Not Ready to Give Up , Hospice care is not a lack of care or giving up ; rather , it is providing compassionate , symptom-directed care to ensure your family and loved one are able to make the most of your time together . Medicare states that someone is appropriate for hospice if they have six months or fewer to live if the disease progression follows its usual course . That does not mean that someone can only live six months or less . Many diagnoses fall under hospice-appropriateness , and the hospice physician will determine which diagnosis to use for hospice . If you are torn and feel you need help deciding if it is the right time , your doctor can request an evaluation by VNA Hospice .
~ Katherine
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VNA Hospice Care
VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve . As a nonprofit , our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff .
VNA Care Choices
Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness , patients and their loved ones have many questions about the best course of action . VNA Care Choices provides supportive care services in the home while continuing treatment with your current physician .
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