"If a person is in pain, nothing else can really be accomplished. That is, they can't interact effectively with their families. They can't accomplish important goals to them. Very often they can't even get out of bed in the morning, because the pain is draining all their strength and energy."
DR. DIANE MEIR, DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER TO ADVANCE PALLIATIVE CARE
"Oncologists treat cancer, cardiologists the heart. But what happens to the rest of you? Palliative care can be the facilitator for all to work together for the common good of the whole person…"
WIFE OF PALLIATIVE PATIENT
"The first time I spoke to my social worker, I had no clue what we were going to talk about. We talked for two hours about where I was with my disease and lack of control vs. where I was before: working, managing people, running my family. It helped quite a lot."
PALLIATIVE PATIENT
PALLIATIVE CARE
IN THE COURSE OF ILLNESS THERE ARE "GOOD DAYS" AND "BAD DAYS."
DAYS WHEN YOU CAN ALMOST FORGET YOU'RE SICK, AND DAYS YOU FEAR YOU'LL NEVER FEEL WELL AGAIN. PALLIATIVE MEDICINE SPECIALIZES IN GIVING YOU MORE GOOD DAYS.
With a focus on caring for people of all ages who have chronic or serious illness, palliative care serves to:
- Relieve pain
- Manage out-of-control symptoms
- Improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families.
Agape palliative visits are made at regular intervals, or as needed, by a Nurse Practitioner, and sometimes a social worker, if needed for additional support.
Our medical specialists are expert at relieving pain and other distressing symptoms – and staying on top of them as conditions change. Agape does not replace existing providers. Instead, we work with a patient’s existing physicians, including specialists, adding a layer of care and often a central point of communication.
Studies have shown that those receiving early palliative care not only have improved quality of life, but less depression and in some cases, longer overall life expectancy.
If you or someone you love is living with serious chronic illness or condition, please don’t hesitate to call. The sooner a Palliative Nurse Practitioner can become involved, the more we can help.
More Good Days
For questions, referrals, or to set up a consultation with our Palliative Goals of Care Team, call 720-482-1988.
Call Us: (720) 482-1988