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Palliative care

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 healthcare system.
  • Emotional and spiritual support.
  • Assistance with discharge planning.
  • Palliative care requires a physician referral.