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About UsThe Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass is a subsidiary of Hospice of the Bluegrass and is a not-for-profit corporation. About Palliative MedicinePalliative medicine is the symptom-directed, patient-centered, life-affirming care of individuals, their families and friends who are living with progressive life-threatening illnesses. The ultimate goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and family. The focus is on a patient’s need for pain control and symptom management caused either by the disease process or treatments for the disease. Not only are physical problems of the patient addressed, but also the emotional, social and spiritual concerns of both the patient and family. The Palliative Care TeamThe palliative care team is an interdisciplinary team consisting of a palliative care physician, nurse and social worker. The palliative care physician will work closely with the patient’s primary care physician to help alleviate any uncomfortable treatment-related side effects or other symptoms. The palliative care team is skilled in helping patients, their families and friends discuss and explore difficult or sensitive issues such as advance directives, discontinuing aggressive treatment and end-of-life decisions. Palliative Care ConsultationMany patients with life-limiting diseases are candidates for this service, even if they are receiving active treatment for their illness. Consultations are available in Lexington hospitals, long- term care facilities and our out-patient clinic. Patients interested in this service should speak to their primary care physician. For more information, contact the Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass at (859) 278-4869. To Make a ReferralPhysicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can make a referral to the Palliative Care Center for a consultation either by written order or by calling (859) 278-4869. TelemedicineWe can now use the newest technology to reach patients in southeastern Kentucky. Using telemedicine capabilities located in Hazard, our team of palliative physicians can assist primary care physicians in addressing symptom management and goals of care. Clinical recommendations are made to the attending physician after completing a consultation via the telecare technology at the University of Kentucky funded in part by a Lance Armstrong Foundation grant.
Common Symptoms addressed by the Palliative care team
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Communication is an important part of palliative care. |
