OLIVIA ROGERS is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas .
Dear Olivia , The doctor has told us that it is probably time to consider palliative care or hospice . We are not sure we really understand the difference . Can you shed some light on this for us ?
-Seeking Help with Advanced Illness
Dear Seeking Help with Advanced Illness , Hospice can be a scary word , and palliative care is a confusing concept for many ! At VNA , we try to help families to navigate the difficult world of health care options when health is beginning to fail . Simply stated , palliative medicine is aimed at symptom management and quality of life for those with serious or complex medical conditions . Hospice is a type of palliative care but is only one option . In palliative care , a person does not have to be terminal and can continue all treatment options and doctors ’ visits as desired . Your doctor may refer you to a palliative clinic or supportive palliative care program if he or she feels that you may benefit from a specialist in symptom management and coordination of care . Oftentimes , complex conditions require the input of a team of physicians , and to help you navigate this sometimes confusing and stressful journey , palliative care can offer the expertise of a physician certified in hospice and palliative medicine , medical social worker , RN case manager , Nurse Practitioner , spiritual counselor and more . Another option at the end of life is hospice care , which is a type of palliative care that is focused on quality of life and providing comfort in one ’ s own home . For patients who wish to stay at home with their families and no longer want to go to the hospital or emergency room , hospice care can provide the same type of interdisciplinary care as palliative care , but in the comfort of one ’ s own home . VNA hospice and palliative care are here to help you navigate these difficult decisions and is one phone call away should you need assistance at any time .
~ Olivia
Hospice & Palliative Care
Ann ’ s Haven vnatexas . org
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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 .
To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call ( 214 ) 535-2615 or email gethelp @ vnatexas . org For volunteer opportunities please call ( 214 ) 689-2271 or email volunteer @ vnatexas . org
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