Palliative care is not the same as hospice and can begin at any time during a serious illness, not just at the end of life. You'll receive palliative care along with your other medical treatments. We also work with your providers to help manage symptoms, support your family, and guide care decisions.
Contact us or talk to your provider about getting a referral to start palliative care.
How we support you and your family during a serious illness
Pain and symptom relief
We provide skilled care to address pain and other symptoms of serious illness and treatment side effects. We also help prevent and respond to crises so you and your family know what to do.
Healing arts therapies
Massage and Reiki are offered through our Healing Arts Program to help reduce stress, ease symptoms, and improve comfort. These services are available in the hospital and at the Jack Byrne Center.
Connection and creative expression
Our volunteer program provides opportunities for conversation and creative expression, including music, writing, visual arts, and other calming activities that support emotional well-being and comfort during illness.
Planning for the future
We help you and your family talk about what matters most, make informed decisions about your care planning, and guide you through complex treatment choices.
Family and emotional support
We help you and your family navigate the stress of illness with emotional, spiritual, and practical care that respects all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs. This includes caregiver and grief support through our bereavement program.
24/7 availability
We provide 24/7 phone support for you, your caregivers, and clinicians for urgent needs or questions.
Get palliative care where and when you need it
Outpatient clinics
Our outpatient team provides ongoing support for patients and care partners. When possible, we coordinate visits with your other appointments to reduce travel and also offer telehealth by video or phone.
In the hospital
Our inpatient consultation team supports patients with serious or sudden illness during hospital stays. We help to manage symptoms, navigate difficult decisions, and support you and your family through the stress of acute illness. We can also connect you with additional support services, including visits from our volunteer program.
Jack Byrne Center
The Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care provides hospital-level care in a calm, home-like setting for patients who want to focus on comfort and quality of life. Patients have private rooms with space for family and access to shared spaces, such as a kitchen, garden, and library. Learn more about the Jack Byrne Center.
Frequently asked questions
I'm worried about my family and the toll my illness seems to be taking. Can you help them?
Yes. Your family is part of who you are. We care about their well-being, and they play an important part in your health. We welcome the chance to meet and talk with your spouse, partner, parents, siblings, children, and others you love. We can provide support in adjusting to the challenges and thinking about resources that could help.
Does a referral to palliative care mean I'm dying?
No. Receiving palliative care does not mean you're dying. In fact, research indicates that palliative care can help people live longer by addressing pain and reducing stress. Being referred to palliative care does mean that you are dealing with difficult medical problems and that you could benefit from extra support for your health and wellbeing.
Do I need to stop other treatments?
No. Palliative care works alongside your current treatments, including chemotherapy, dialysis, or clinical trials. We also help you navigate complex decisions.
Will this add more appointments?
Our goal is to reduce your burden, not add to it. We coordinate visits, offer telehealth when possible, and focus only on what matters most to you.
Does insurance cover palliative care?
Most plans cover the medical aspects of palliative care. Support from our organization and private donations also helps us provide care regardless of insurance or ability to pay.