Palliative care in the Seacoast Region
Our care aims to make you more comfortable during treatment for a serious condition.
At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, we understand how a serious illness can impact your life. Our palliative care program aims to minimize discomfort and treatment side effects through support, pain management and nutrition services.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Conditions supported by palliative care
Palliative care often accompanies active treatment for illnesses, such as:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyotrophic sclerosis
- Cancer
- Cardiac disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney failure
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Respiratory disease
Our palliative medicine program
Provided by an experienced team, our care can be a integral part of your treatment for serious and chronic illnesses.
What is the purpose of palliative care?
The purpose of palliative care is to relieve the discomfort, symptoms and stress of serious illness. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for both you and your caregivers. Palliative care does not replace your primary treatment. Rather, it works alongside other treatments to improve how you feel.
How do I benefit from palliative care?
We work with you and your loved ones or caregivers to manage pain, symptoms or side effects. Your plan may include integrative care services that focus on your total well-being — mind, body and spirit. Our caring team works with specialists across the hospital to address:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain management
- Psychosocial support
- Shortness of breath
In addition to having access to specially trained doctors and nurses, your palliative care team offers help navigating the healthcare system, guidance with difficult and complex treatment choices and emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.
Is palliative care right for me?
Palliative care may be appropriate for you if you have a serious illness and are experiencing pain and other symptoms. Consider palliative care if you or a loved one:
- Has a prolonged stay in the hospital without signs of progress
- Has uncontrolled physical or emotional pain
- Needs help understanding the disease and coordinating care
- Needs to establish goals of care and consider further steps for treatment
- Suffers from pain or ongoing symptoms due to a serious illness
Talk with your physician or primary caregiver about receiving palliative care resources. We also have physicians and nurse practitioners on site for consultation.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?
Palliative care is provided if you or a loved one are experiencing a serious illness and currently undergoing treatment. Hospice care is provided if your loved one has stopped treatment and needs end-of-life care. If hospice care is needed, we can refer you to a provider that best meets your family's needs.
Will my insurance cover palliative care?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care. If costs concern you, one of our social workers or financial consultants can help you explore options.
Who makes up my palliative care team?
Our team typically includes physicians with advanced practice, nurses with palliative care expertise, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, counselors and clergy. Your palliative care team works closely with your doctor to determine a care plan to improve your quality of life, but does not replace your relationship with your primary doctor.
When you leave the hospital, your palliative care specialist will help you make a successful transition to your home, hospice or the next level of care.