PALLIATIVE CARE
Support for Patients and Families Coping with Serious Illness
At Cascade Health, our Palliative Care goal is to reduce the mental, physical and emotional discomfort brought on by chronic illness. We ease the stress on patients, families and caregivers and take a holistic approach to care by looking at symptoms and circumstances to identify how changes to treatments, medications, therapies, lifestyle and support systems can make a positive difference in daily life.
Cascade Health began offering Palliative Care in response to comments from families in our hospice program, who told us they wished that there was a way to access health education, pain management, symptom relief and emotional support earlier.
How Palliative Care Helps You and Your Family
An experienced team of Cascade Health Palliative Care clinicians, nurses and specialists work closely with everyone involved in your care to identify areas that can be improved to make your life better. Together we help implement a plan to achieve your goals. Specifically, Cascade Health works with you to:
✅ Make recommendations to your primary providers to better control pain and other symptoms that may be negatively impacting your enjoyment of life.
✅ Understand your condition and treatment options.
✅ Clarify your own goals and preferences for your care.
✅ Support your emotional and spiritual wellness.
✅ Develop an advanced care plan and clarify end-of-life preferences.
✅ Improve communication between you, your family and your doctors.
✅ Support your family and caregivers.
What to Expect at a Palliative Care Consultation
Whether you were referred to Cascade Health by one of your existing health care providers, a family member or you found us yourself, your care begins with a Cascade Health Palliative Care consultation. Your consultation will take place where it’s most convenient for you—a hospital, clinic, rehabilitation facility or, for most, in your home.
You and your chosen loved one or caretaker will initially meet with a Cascade Health Palliative Care specialist to talk about your symptoms, current treatments, living circumstances, goals and other topics to identify the kinds of services that could improve your quality of life. This will be a back-and-forth conversation. They will ask you questions, make recommendations and listen to your feedback to ensure that your concerns are answered, and your preferences respected as you build a plan together. They will take the time necessary and schedule a follow-up appointment(s) if needed. Your Cascade Health Palliative Care specialist will never rush or pressure you.
How to Prepare for Your Palliative Care Consultation
Preparing ahead for your consultation can help you get the most out of your time with the Cascade Health Palliative Care specialist. Please prepare by:
Making a list of your current symptoms, whether they impact your ability to enjoy life or take part in daily activities and anything that makes them better or worse.
Making a list of your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements.
Bringing a family member or friend to help take notes.
Gathering any advance directives, trusts or living wills of which your health care team should be aware.
Your Palliative Care Plan
From your consultation and the medical records they review, your Cascade Health Palliative Care specialist will develop a Palliative Care plan for your consideration. Together you will make refinements and when you are ready, you will approve it. This plan helps guide your team at Cascade Health Palliative Care in coordination with your other health care providers, you, your family and anyone else involved in your care. Your plan is likely to change over time to ensure that it continues to serve your needs, and it may include:
Symptom management to improve your comfort, including thorough pain management.
Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.
Education and advice for advanced care planning to ensure your wishes are respected.
Assistance and advocacy navigating the health care system.
Provide recommendations for referrals to specialists or complementary care providers to address new or persistent issues, or to prevent injury or deterioration.
Education about your disease process and help understanding treatment options.
Relaxation and self-care techniques to improve the management of your condition.
Training and respite referrals for family and caregivers.
How to Explore and Start Palliative Care
Although Palliative Care is extremely beneficial, many people have never heard of it, or have misconceptions about it. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to meet the unmet health needs of our community. We are here to answer your questions and empower you to make your own decisions about your care.