A Patient’s Guide to Palliative Care
Mercy’s palliative care services are available to help people live comfortably, and to provide the best possible
quality of life for patients and their families.
Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. It is the active total care throughout the disease process.
Palliative care supports the life and concentrates on the present. Utilizitng palliative care can help when a
patient needs answers, relief, expertise and support when facing serious illness. It is appropriate at any age
and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
How do I know if palliative care is right for me?
Many people with serious illnesses have to deal with the pain in addition to other physical discomfort such as
shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Palliative care can help with the pain and
symptom management, as well as setting goals and making decisions about the patient’s care. The goal is to
alleviate suffering and provide the best possible quality of life for the patient and his or her family.
Why should I choose palliative care instead of hospice? What are the differences?
Although palliative care is similar to hospice, both services are very different. Hospice care provides end-of-life
care for patients with a prognosis of less than six months. Palliative care can assist anyone who would benefit
from symptom and pain management, regardless of his or her prognosis. Even if you or your loved one are
not experiencing pain or other symptoms, Mercy’s palliative care team can help prepare you for what may
come-empowering you to be more actively involved in your care.
How do I start receiving palliative care?
The palliative care team will work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure you have the best care
possible. If you or your family have questions regarding palliative care, you can speak with your health care
provider or contact one of the palliative care nurses.
Our palliative care team
The palliative care team at Mercy consists of dedicated nurses and a physician who work closely with you, as
well as social workers and pastoral care providers. The team is available to all patients in the hospital.
Patients with cancer can utilize Mercy’s community palliative care services.
Common conditions that benefit from palliative care:
 COPD
 Cancer
 Dementia
 Stroke
 Congestive heart failure
 Cirrhosis
 Renal failure
 Frail elderly
Is Palliative Care Right for Your Patient?
If you are unsure if palliative care is right for you or a loved one, answer the following questions. If you have at
least two “yes” answers, palliative care may be right for you. Palliative care can be provided at any time during
a patient’s illness.
1) Do you, or a loved one, have a serious illness such as:






Cancer
Congestive heart failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Dementia
YES
NO
2) Do you, or a loved one, have any of the following symptoms:








Pain
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Lack of appetite
Nausea
Constipation
YES
NO
3) Have you, or a loved one, experienced any of the following:




Frequent emergency room visits
Multiple admissions to the hospital (three or more within 12 months) with the same symptoms
A turning point in the illness where treatment is no longer working
Eating problems associated with an advanced illness
YES
NO
4) Do you, or a loved one, need help with:




Future planning
Decision making
Emotional support
Spiritual or religious support
YES
NO
You can contact us at:
Inpatient Palliative Care Nurse
(515) 643-8633
Community Palliative Care Nurse
(515) 643-4919
Fax (515) 643-4917