if the patient meets the ….

if the patient meets the criteria. If the patient would not meet the criteria for starting hospice services, another option would be palliative care.

Palliative Care—What is It

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, no matter the diagnosis or stage of the disease. The palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specially trained people. They work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care. Myths about Palliative Care

Myth: Palliative care means no more treatment.

Fact: When a palliative care team is called into a case or is asked to take over the care of a patient, treatment does not automatically stop. The treatment and therapies can continue, but they have a different goal.

Resources

• California Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, www. calhospice.org.

• Hospice Helpline, 800-658-8898,

www.caringinfo.org.

• Southern California Hospice Foundation, 877-661-0087, www.socalhospicefoundation. com.

People can visit the display rack in Building 5 for brochures. To make an appointment to learn more about the information here, call Robann Arshat at (562) 431-6586, ext. 317.