Palliative Care
Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team who work together with a patient’s physician(s) to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age, at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Palliative Care at MercyOne Siouxland
The team at MercyOne Siouxland consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and spiritual care providers offering inpatient services. They will partner closely with each patient’s health care providers as well as community resources to help with the coordination of care and services.
Palliative Care Goals
- To enhance patient’s control over their care by devoting time to family meetings and patient/family counseling.
- To enhance communication among the health care team.
- To enhance quality of life by managing
- distressing symptoms.
- To provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their caregivers.
- To help with the decision-making process, making sure every patient’s wishes are heard and respected.
What to Expect
- Management of symptoms associated with chronic illness and treatments such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and depression.
- Improved ability to carry on with daily activities.
- A better understanding of the patient’s condition and choices for medical care.
- Attention to emotional and spiritual needs.
What You Can Do
- Discuss your goals with your health care team.
- Ask your doctor about your prognosis so you can make informed decisions.
- Report your pain and other symptoms to your doctor or nurse.
- Complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and your Living Will.
- Talk to your doctor and your loved ones about health care and quality of life wishes.
- Review hospice options so if you need hospice care you’ll be ready to make a decision. Getting information now helps you understand your options and gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.
- Keep a notebook of questions and observations about your illness and what may be done both now and in the future to help treat symptoms.
- Ask for assistance. The following people may be able to help you: your doctor, your nurse, a chaplain, a dietitian, a social worker, a physical or occupational therapist, a financial services representative, a pharmacist, a pain clinician, an insurance case manager, a pulmonary rehab tech, the hospital patient advocate, a home care representative and/or your patient care manager.
Inpatient Palliative Care
712-279-2010
Palliative care, (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv), is specialized care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their caregivers.
Mission Statement: With deep compassion and skill, MercyOne Siouxland Palliative Care supports those living with serious illnesses and all who care for them.
