Hebrew SeniorLife brings Palliative Care to seniors in their homes
BOSTON – Patients who would like to be treated at home for the symptoms and stress of a serious or chronic illness have a new option through a new palliative care program offered by Hebrew SeniorLife Home Care.
Palliative care, which is appropriate at any stage of an illness, is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team that treats the “whole” patient by providing medical, psychological and spiritual care. It also offers guidance for both the patient and family.
Unlike hospice care, which is meant specifically for those in the final stages of life, palliative care is appropriate for any stage of illness – even if curative treatment is also being sought. This is often the best choice for older patients, who find it difficult to leave their homes.
“It made sense to offer this program for patients who are not ready for hospice care, but don’t want to continue making multiple trips to the hospital each month,” said Maureen Bannan, Executive Director of Hebrew SeniorLife Home and Community Based Health Services. “The goal of our home-based palliative care program is to fill a critical gap in the care of patients with chronic illness who want to prevent frequent hospitalizations and enjoy a better quality of life.”
Patients who would like to receive home-based palliative care can be referred by their physician, and are able to receive this service while also receiving other home health care services. HSL offers home care and palliative care in Boston, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Dover, Westwood, Norwood, Walpole, Sharon, Canton Stoughton, Randolph, Milton and Braintree. Please see the Hebrew SeniorLife website for more information.
About Hebrew SeniorLife and Home and Community Based Services
Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching and redefining the possibilities of aging. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. Hebrew SeniorLife’s home-based care services are part of the HSL continuum of services making it the best choice when transitioning from an acute care hospital or a Hebrew SeniorLife post-acute care unit. HSL’s home-based services will ensure that each move from one care setting to another is seamless and comfortable.
