Hospice and Palliative Care
Frequently Asked Questions
People can be confused about what happens when they are suffering from a serious illness, yet are released from a hospital and facing the need for continuous care.
We’ve put together a list of questions and answers to help alleviate any concerns and help you feel comfortable with making the right decision to seek out palliative care services.
The Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care
Palliative care is a medical specialty that helps people with a variety of serious illnesses find a better quality of life. Our staff works with you and your loved ones to create a plan of care that offers relief from physical, emotional and spiritual pain, symptoms and stress. We will help explain your choices and ensure your needs and wishes are honored.
Hospice Care is a specialized care designed to provide support to you and your loved ones during an advanced illness. The focus is on quality of life, rather than cure, and the goal of hospice care is to enable you to have an alert, pain-free life – to live each day as fully as possible.
It’s not about just relieving pain and symptoms, but helping you with important decisions and goals when facing special care and assistance needs.
Request a consultation by calling:
*NOTICE FOR DIALING 803 AREA CODES:
When dialing our office, you must now add (803) from your landline or cell phone when dialing our number.
You can also contact us online:
When is Palliative Care Right for Someone?
If you or a loved one have a serious illness, palliative care may be the right choice. Serious illnesses include but are not limited to: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and many more serious illnesses. Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness. You can also receive palliative care at the same time as treatment meant to cure you.
What Do Palliative Care Professionals Do?
Specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and pain of a serious illness is called Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv). Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care has a team of specially-trained doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with your other care practitioners to improve your quality of life.
The palliative care team will:
- Help relieve your symptoms and distress
- Help you better understand your diagnosis and disease
- Explain your treatment goals and options
- Be understanding and support your ability to cope with your illness
- Assist you with making medical decisions
- Coordinate with other doctors
Can I Still See My Own Doctor?
Yes! As palliative care professionals we provide an extra layer of support and work in partnership with your primary doctor so you can feel at ease not having to give up the care provider you are used to and comfortable with.
Will My Insurance Cover Palliative Care?
Most insurance plans cover all or part of palliative care. This is the same as with other hospital and medical services and also true of Medicare and Medicaid. A social worker or financial consultant from our palliative care team can help you with payment options and other concerns.
Can Curative Treatment Coincide with Palliative Care?
Absolutely yes! You can have palliative care and curative treatment at the same time. Your treatment choices are always up to you.
Who Else Besides The Patient Benefits From Palliative Care?
The answer is everyone involved! Patients, along with their family and caregivers, are the focus of palliative care. Your doctors and nurses benefit, too, as they are aware they are providing care and treatment that reduces your suffering and improves your quality of life.
How Does Palliative Care Help With Choosing The Best Treatment Options?
Our team at Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care will take the time to speak with and listen to you and your family. We’ll make sure you understand your treatment options. We’ll help you explore your personal goals and match those goals to the options best for you. We’ll also help you have more control over your care by making sure all of your doctors are coordinated, know, and understand what you want.
Where Do I Get Palliative Care
Palliative care is available outside of the hospital in the places where you live. You, your doctor, and the palliative care team of Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care can discuss outpatient care or care at home.
When Should I Ask for Palliative Care?
You can ask for palliative care at any age and any stage of an illness, but early in your illness is best. Cancer patients should receive palliative care early on and together with their other treatments. It is recommended to receive a palliative care consult within 8 weeks of an advanced cancer diagnosis.
What Do Palliative Care Professionals Do?
Specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and pain of a serious illness is called Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv). It is provided by specially-trained doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together as a team with your other care practitioners to improve your quality of life.
The palliative care team will:
- Help relieve your symptoms and distress
- Help you better understand your diagnosis and disease
- Explain your treatment goals and options
- Be understanding and support your ability to cope with your illness
- Assist you with making medical decisions
- Coordinate with other doctors
How Do I get Palliative Care?
Simply reach out to us at Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care by phone or via our online form and we will set you on the path to getting the special care you need and deserve when faced with a serious illness.
Call Us At:
Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care
*NOTICE FOR DIALING 803 AREA CODES:
When dialing our office, you must now add (803) from your landline or cell phone. If you do not do this - it will appear as though our number has been disconnected.
Contact Us Online At:
“Cannot imagine having to face losing our beloved Mom without the loving support of this great team. What a gift they gave me the day they told me I could step back from being Mom’s caregiver and just be her daughter. “ We’ve got her now, and you too”, and they truly did. The peaceful transition surrounded by family is the experience I wish for myself when my time comes. Bless you all for the work you do.”
Contact Us
Our staff is here to answer your questions. Call us or send an e-mail today!
Riverview Hospice & Palliative Care, LLC
FAX: 803-329-1117
*NOTICE FOR DIALING 803 AREA CODES:
You must now add (803) from your landline or cell phone when dialing our number.
2450 India Hook Road
Rock Hill, SC 29732
When you need hospice or palliative care for medical issues, Riverview is here to assist you. We’re based in Rock Hill and proudly serve York County, Chester County, and Lancaster County.