What is Palliative Care?
Simply put, palliative care helps patients who need symptom, pain and stress management when it is associated with a serious illness. Patients can receive palliative care in any setting At JourneyCare, palliative care is provided by an advanced practice nurse (APN) with oversight from physicians.
JourneyCare staff members are experts at pain and symptom management. In collaboration with your existing physicians, our Palliative Care Program strives to prevent avoidable visits to the emergency room and reduce expensive hospital stays.
Our services include:
- Initial visit within 48 hours (upon completion of referral and insurance verification)
- Coordination with primary care provider for pain and symptom management
- Continued care to complement existing treatments, including curative treatments
- Education on advance care planning
Paying for Palliative Care
Palliative care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, similar to a physician visit; standard co-pays apply. Private insurance coverage varies, but we can help explain payment options.
When is Palliative Care the right choice?
The JourneyCare Palliative Care Program may be the next step to help better manage your symptoms when living with serious illness, such as:
- Terminal cancer (Stage 4)
- End-stage congestive heart failure (NYHA class 4)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Other life-limiting illnesses
Understanding Your Care Options – Hospice vs. Palliative Care
HOSPICE
Individuals who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness that is progressing in spite of curative treatments and have a certified prognosis of 6 months or less. This applies to people of all ages with any type of illness, including, but not limited to, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), kidney disease, lung disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
PALLIATIVE
Individuals with pain or other symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, fatigue an/or anxiety resulting from a serious illness. This applies to people of all ages with any type of life-limiting illness, including terminal cancer (stage 4), end-stage congestive heart failure (NYHA Class 4), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more.
HOSPICE
- An individual plan of care
- Clinical team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Skilled nursing care for pain control and symptom management, as well as coordination of care, services and support
- Teaching and guidance for caregivers
- Medications, supplies and equipment
- Therapies such as physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory, when medically indicated
- Assistance with personal and community resource needs offered by our licensed social workers
- Ongoing emotional support for you and your family
- Spiritual support and guidance by our care team and chaplains
- Life enriching services, such as touch therapy and music-thanatology
PALLIATIVE
- Consultative service provided by board-certified palliative doctors working with a team of advanced practice nurses
- Assessment of medications and treatments to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
- Expert symptom management
- Collaboration and communication with your doctor(s)
- Discussions on goals of care
- Staff nurse available via telephone during business hours or you can leave a message anytime
- Education on advance care planning to document your healthcare goals and wishes
HOSPICE
- Medicaid (Part A)
- Illinois Medicaid
- Most private insurance
- Does not require co-pays
PALLIATIVE
- Medicare (Part B)
- Illinois Medicaid
- Most private insurance
- Standard co-pays & deductible apply
Home health services are different than hospice and palliative care services.
HOSPICE
No, insurance will not cover home health at the same time you are receiving hospice care.
PALLIATIVE
Yes, insurance will cover home health care while you are receiving palliative services. The palliative team works closely with home health care to meet your needs.
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE
Yes, a list of agencies can be found on our website.
We can help!
Let JourneyCare be your expert partner in care. Our team can help you better understand your illness and available options, while also helping you identify personalized treatment goals. Our Palliative Care team provides specialized, high-quality care that can help improve your quality of life, while your physicians work to cure or manage your condition.