Specialized Palliative Care
Relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness—at any stage.
You don't have to face serious illness alone. We provide an extra layer of support to improve your quality of life.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
The Key Difference
Unlike Hospice, you do not have to give up curative treatment. You can receive Palliative Care at the same time as chemotherapy, dialysis, or surgery. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided alongside your current medical team.
Common signs Palliative Care is right
Uncontrolled Symptoms
Pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping.
Emotional Distress
Anxiety or depression related to your diagnosis or treatment journey.
Confusion about Care
You are struggling to understand your treatment options or match your medical choices to your personal values.
Caregiver Burnout
Your family is overwhelmed by the practical and emotional demands of your illness.
Frequent ER Visits
You find yourself going to the hospital often for symptom management.
Why choose Commonheart for Palliative Care
Commonheart Palliative Care provides a specialized layer of support for those living with serious illness. We focus on improving daily life for both the patient and the family through a holistic, team-based approach.
- Support Alongside Treatment: Receive specialized comfort care at any stage of illness, even while continuing curative treatments.
- NP-Led Symptom Relief: Expert management of pain, fatigue, and anxiety led by Nurse Practitioners who prioritize your quality of life.
- Non-Profit, Heart-Led Mission: A faith-based, "whole-person" approach rooted in a 50-year legacy of treating every patient like family.
- 24/7 Live Connection: Immediate access to our clinical team at any hour—no machines, just real people ready to help.
The role of therapists and social workers
Social Workers
They are the "navigators" of your journey. They help organize family meetings to discuss goals of care, assist with financial or insurance complexities, and help you complete Advance Directives so your voice is heard even if you cannot speak.
Counselors & Therapists
Living with a chronic illness takes a mental toll. Our counselors provide emotional support and coping strategies for depression and anxiety.
Rehabilitative Therapists (PT/OT)
In a palliative setting, these therapists focus on energy conservation and safety. They teach you how to move with less pain and how to modify your home environment so you can remain independent for as long as possible.
Palliative Care FAQ
Is Palliative Care the same as Hospice?
No. Hospice is for the end of life (usually the last 6 months) when curative treatment has stopped. Palliative Care can begin at the moment of diagnosis and continue through treatment and recovery.
Will my insurance cover this?
Palliative Care is generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, similar to how other specialist medical visits (like a cardiologist or oncologist) are covered.
Do I have to change doctors?
No. The Palliative Care team works with your own doctor. We provide updates and suggestions to your primary physician, acting as an extra set of eyes and ears focused specifically on your comfort.
How do I get Palliative Care?
You have to ask for it. Tell your doctor you would like a "Palliative Care Consult" to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How can we help?
Call Commonheart at (844) 206-4930 or use this form to send us an email.