Palliative Medicine

Palliative Medicine

In situations of advanced illness, Catawba Valley Medical Center offers the support of its highly talented, multidisciplinary Palliative Medicine Team. Palliative medicine is provided by a team of trained health care professionals who have clinical expertise in disease processes, treatment options, and pain and symptom management. The Team’s goal is to help patients and their families cope with the illness and better manage your day-to-day quality of life. Palliative care helps patients through all stages of illness. It is best introduced early in your care and is provided at the same time as curative treatments. It is different from Hospice care, which is meant specifically for patients approaching the last stages of life. For more information about Hospice services offered in the area, visit the following websites:

Our Palliative Medicine Team

The Palliative Medicine Team is comprised of registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, physicians, nutritionists and integrative therapists who consult with the patient, each other, and the patient’s physician to determine the best way to meet a patient’s special needs.

• Carolina Caring
• Hospice of Alexander County
• Amorem

Services

The Palliative Medicine Team provides:

• Relief from distressing symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping
• Improved ability to carry on with your daily life
• Improved ability to tolerate any medical treatments you may be receiving
• Referrals for integrative therapies (music, pet, healing touch)
• A better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care