Support for the Palliative Journey:
Serious Illness Counseling at
Pathways
People diagnosed with a serious illness face many changes and
challenges, as do their family members. These can include
adjustments to new routines, dealing with symptoms and treatments
and taking on care-giving responsibilities. At Pathways we
understand these challenges. We have created services to help
patients and their family members navigate these changes and
developed education and support programs to manage difficult
emotions. Our counselors have specialized training and experience
working with the patient, caregiver and family members of all ages.
Tammy Brannen-Smith
Director of Pathways
for Grief & Loss
Counseling can be helpful when:
• Patients have been newly diagnosed with a serious illness.
The Role of the
Licensed Clinical
Social Worker in
Palliative Care
Palliative Consults
sometimes identify
psychosocial needs
and Pathways has
Licensed Clinical
Social Workers
available for
Rick Riddoch
palliative patient
Social Services Director
follow up. Our
social workers are able to help patients
and families clarify those needs for care
and assist with providing information
about community resources. Social
workers provide information on home
health care resources and help with
the completion of advanced directives.
Helping patients bring a sense of order
and direction to their personal affairs
can contribute significantly to a patient’s
peace of mind. Facing the challenges of
coping with a serious medical condition
can be stressful and emotionally
draining and Pathways is able to offer
ongoing counseling support through our
Counseling for Serious Illness Program.
The psychosocial support we provide can
help individuals make informed decisions
about their care needs and achieve goals
that enhance their quality of life and
personal well being.
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• Patients illness has advanced or changed and they need support adjusting.
• They are also dealing with multiple stressors or life events in addition to the
serious illness.
• There are children in the home or family that need additional support to
understand the illness and have a safe place to share their feelings.
• Caregivers may be experiencing loneliness, isolation and exhaustion trying to
handle many responsibilities.
Counseling is available to anyone in our community who has a serious illness or is caring
for someone with a serious illness. We are here to help patients and families find the
support they need, whether it’s through time for self care, outside resources, counseling
or support groups. Please know as providers our hope is that we can be a resource to
the healthcare community and help patients and families as they face the chall enges of
serious illness.
Visit our website or call our office for more information, 970-663-3500. There are many
options for obtaining counseling services including a sliding fee scale, private insurance,
Medicare, Medicaid, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
The Role of the Advanced Practice
Nurse in Palliative Care
The outpatient palliative care APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) is a
professional nurse, either a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse
specialist, who has completed a graduate degree in the appropriate
specialty, passed a national certification exam, and has met
Colorado’s Board of Nursing requirements for advanced practice.
As a member of the palliative care team, the APN can provide
consultations, physical exams, symptom management through
diagnosis and prescription of medications, and coordination of
services across the care team. These interventions will be directed to
meet the individualized needs and goals of the patient and family.
PAT H WAY S H O S P I C E PA L L I AT I V E C A R E P E R S P E C T I V E S
Karen McIntosh
Advanced Practice
Nurse