Palliative Care
Our Palliative Care Team delivers personalized, holistic medical care to improve the well-being of patients and their families dealing with illness.
Call to speak with our Palliative Care Coordinator.
Our Approach
If you’re suffering from a severe illness, our Palliative Care professionals will work to provide an additional layer of support for both you and your family. Our team can help by working directly with your providers, offering ongoing care, symptom management, advance care planning, counseling, family support, and more. We aim to meet you where you are and help with what matters most to you.
Request a ConsultCare to Enhance Quality of Life
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care, as defined by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), is specialized healthcare for individuals living with a serious illness. It focuses on alleviating symptoms and stress associated with the illness to enhance overall quality of life for both patients and their families. Palliative care is tailored to the patient’s needs, irrespective of prognosis or stage of illness, and can be administered alongside curative treatments.
Who Provides Palliative Care?
At CRMC, our Palliative Care team is comprised of nurses, social workers, home care and oncology staff, a pharmacist, a psychologist, and a chaplain. They collaborate with your doctor to alleviate discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
They may also collaborate with other specialists, such as physical/occupational/speech therapists and dietitians, as part of your treatment plan.
Who can Benefit from Palliative Care?
Anyone with a serious illness such as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Dementia
Why Palliative Care?
Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life
Numerous studies show that palliative care significantly improves patient quality of life, meaning an encounter with the health care system is less stressful and traumatic for families. In collaboration with the primary physician, the palliative care team offers the following:
- Dedicated time for family meetings and patient/family counseling
- Clear communication regarding future expectations to align care with patient and family goals
- Expert management of physical and emotional symptoms, such as pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances
- Coordinating and communicating care plans among all healthcare providers and settings
Palliative Care Reduces Costs
Research consistently demonstrates improvements in quality measures and resource utilization upon introducing palliative care, as stated by the Center for Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Palliative Care has Positive Impacts
NIH research highlights the positive impact of palliative care on patients and families. Studies show improved symptom management, enhanced communication, and vital emotional support. Early palliative care initiation aligns with patients’ wishes, reduces stress, and addresses emotional and spiritual needs, promoting comprehensive care.
You're More Than a Patient
You’re a participant in your own health. Explore education and resources from CRMC and the Brainerd lakes area community.
Explore Resources