Palliative Care

We're Here To Help You Live Well

The Palliative Care Program at Orange Regional is here to help you address challenges associated with life-limiting illnesses. We offer relief from pain and stress with confidence and understanding.

Meeting Your Needs

The Palliative Care Program at Orange Regional strives to provide the highest level of comfort and support. We treat every patient on a case-by-case basis - offering direction and aid with:

• Symptom management
• Nutritional guidance
• Case management
• Social support
• Psychological support
• Spiritual comfort
• Ethical support

Strength, Support And Guidance For You And Your Family

Prolonged serious health conditions or life-limiting illnesses present unique challenges to both patients and their families.

Effective palliative care can help you through a difficult treatment, assist you in navigating your choices for care and help you carry on with your daily life.  Recent studies suggest that Palliative Care may prolong life expectancy.

The Palliative Care Program at Orange Regional supports patients 18 years and older and enlists a team of experts who are ready to help and support you with the resources you need to reach your personal goals.

Getting Comfortable

When dealing with serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer's, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis, patients often encounter issues with one or more of the following:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Constipation
• Depression

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and along with treatment to help you find relief from symptoms associated with your disease. Our service helps you carry on with your daily life. It improves your ability to go through medical treatment and helps you better understand your condition and choices for medical care. Our goal is to help you and your family experience the best quality of life while managing your disease.

Family Support

We also work with family members to help them adjust to any potential lifestyle changes. Whether that means guiding a loved one through difficult medical decisions, helping them support patients and each other, or simply providing education on what to expect, we're here to offer our guidance and answer any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I receive palliative care services?
A: Orange Regional's Palliative Care Service is available for patients that are admitted to the hospital. Through the service we help you obtain the resources you need to manage your illness once you return to the comfort of your home.

Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of palliative care?
A: Most insurance companies do cover the cost of palliative care. We suggest that you always check with your insurance company first before obtaining healthcare services.

Q: How do I start receiving palliative care?
A: Ask for it! Start by talking to your doctor or nurse. Tell your family, friends and caregivers that you want palliative care. Then ask your doctor for a referral.

Q: What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
A: Hospice care is designed strictly for patients with imminent terminal conditions. Palliative care supports you and your family in managing your illness while you are receiving curative therapy. Discuss with your doctor the benefits of palliative care based on your particular condition.

Complementary Therapy

Orange Regional offers Complementary Therapies as a part of your recovery. Complementary Therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of an illness. Orange Regional Medical Center offers Reiki Therapy as a natural approach to healing and wellness and our Pet Therapy Program helps make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our patients.

For More Information

To learn more about the Palliative Care Program at Orange Regional, or if you have any questions, please call 845-333-3337 or pallcare@ormc.org

To read more about our Palliative Care Program and additional Oncology Services, please view our 2011 Oncology Annual Report.