Supportive care, previously referred to as palliative care, is specialized medical care that focuses on reducing the symptoms, pain and stress caused by serious illness — whatever the diagnosis. It is appropriate at any age or stage of illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
What is the goal of supportive care?
Improving quality of life
The goal of supportive care is to improve quality of life for both patient and family. Care is provided by a team of Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and other specialists who work with the patient’s Physicians to develop a plan of care. Supportive care is an extra layer of support whereby the team can offer information and guidance for complex medical decisions.
Helpful Links
For more information, please contact us at support@chesapeakesupportivecare.org or 443-837-3376 for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Supportive Care?
Individuals living with a serious, complex illness are eligible for Supportive Care.
How does Supportive Care differ from Hospice Care?
Supportive care can help during any stages of illness. It can be provided regardless of a person’s life expectancy, at the same time as curative or life prolonging treatments, or even in home health services. Hospice care is meant for those with a life-limiting illness in the last several years or months of life.
Where is Supportive Care provided?
Hospice of the Chesapeake provides supportive care services in the home, at area hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities and in our Hussman Supportive Care Center in Pasadena, MD.
What types of illness can be treated through supportive care?
Supportive care is available to support people living with many types of illness such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Kidney disease
- Cancer and many others.
How is Supportive Care provided?
You will have an initial evaluation with a Physician or a Nurse Practitioner. You may receive future visits from nurses and social workers as well in order to provide treatment, support and guidance.
What can I expect from Supportive Care?
- Better understanding of your medical condition and all your treatment options.
- Confidence that the treatment decisions you make match what you want.
- Improved ability to carry on with your daily life.
- Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.
- Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments.
- Improved ability to cope with the stress and daily challenges of living with illness.
- Close communication and compassionate care.
How is Supportive Care paid for?
As a community based nonprofit organization, Hospice of the Chesapeake provides its quality hospice and supportive care to all patients in need of services, regardless of their payment source. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private Insurance
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