Medical treatment can be very complicated; people may be confronted with a bewildering array of options. The Palliative Care team’s goal is to help each person and family come to grips with their unique situation so that they can make the best decisions for their quality of life. For some, the priority is to stay as independent as possible, while for others, it may be to stay comfortable.
The Palliative Care team works with the patient’s primary treating team to improve management of physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms by providing the following services:
Symptom Management
Patients with life-limiting illnesses may seek palliative care when they are experiencing any range of symptoms including:
- breathing problems
- weakness or fatigue
- nausea and loss of appetite
- bowel and bladder problems
- confusion
- depression or anxiety
Psychological Support
Palliative Care addresses symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, and loss associated with a life-limiting illness. Brief therapeutic interventions such as guided relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and supportive counseling can assist in relieving these symptoms and improving quality of life.
Spiritual Care
Medical science has provided many new and wonderful tools, but these tools are not an end in themselves. Palliative Care emphasizes the importance of coordinating highly technological medical care with the patient and family religious or spiritual practice.
For general information about Palliative Care Services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, please call 314.747.5361.