If you or a loved one has a life-limiting illness, you can take comfort in knowing that Liberty Hospital’s Palliative Care service is available to provide compassionate care at a time you need it most.

Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and maximizing quality of life. Any patient in the hospital with a life-limiting illness may receive palliative care. Palliative care is not the same as hospice. It is for anyone at any stage of a life-limiting illness, even while pursing aggressive therapy. Hospice care is a part of palliative care but for patients approaching the last stages of life, with a six-month life expectancy, who are ready to discontinue life-prolonging care.

The Palliative Care service consists of a team of professionals made up of a medical director, nurse, social worker and chaplain who have specialized training to address your needs. The types of things they can do for you include:

• Provide information and assistance regarding your disease
• Guidance with difficult decisions and treatment choices
• Expert treatment of pain and other symptoms
• Help in navigating the health care system
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Assistance with discharge planning

Palliative care requires a physician referral. For more information, call 816-792-7238.