Caring with comfort and dignity, for improved quality of life.

Our goal is to offer hope to patients who suffer emotionally, physically or spiritually due to chronic, catastrophic or terminal illness.

Our Mission is Caring…for the Body, Mind and Spirit

Is Palliative Care the Same as Hospice End-of-life Care?

Palliative care is not limited to the terminally ill or dying. Anyone with a serious, life limiting or chronic illness can benefit from palliative care. Palliative care can extend from a few hours to several years. The key difference between hospice and palliative care is that with palliative care, an individual may be receiving active curative therapy. Palliative care includes aggressive symptom management, emotional support and assistance as the patient deals with serious illness. The fact is that all hospice care is palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice.

• Treats the patient as a whole person…We understand that the needs of the body, mind and spirit are equally important.
• Addresses pain and symptom control…We understand that unrelieved pain and other physical symptoms negatively affect your overall well-being. If you feel better, you’ll heal better.
• Provides comfort and support to individuals and families…We understand that patients faced with chronic or life-threatening illnesses are frightened and are facing new challenges.
• Assists with advanced directive and long-term planning…We understand that many people need help to make decisions about the future and assistance in dealing with the challenges that may arise.

Anyone can refer a patient to the Palliative Care Service. Once a referral is made, a palliative care nurse will visit the patient to understand how we can help. The interdisciplinary team will work with your physician to address your needs. It is important to remember that the patient and family members are considered important members of the team. Working together, the team determines how to best address the patient’s needs for comfort care and support.

Palliative care can be initiated at any point from the start of care and initial diagnosis to advanced disease. It is not limited to the final phase of a disease.

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center recently opened an Acute Palliative Care Unit. Some of the services provided include: open visiting hours, daily rounds by an interdisciplinary team, family meetings to enhance and encourage open communication and pictures, music and personal items from home are encouraged on the unit.

The team is also available for consultation throughout the hospital. A continuum of care is provided with a liaison between Good Samaritan Homecare as well as Good Samaritan Nursing Home.

To cure sometimes, To relieve often, To comfort always –15th Century Folk Saying

Our Unique Palliative Care Team Includes…

• Certified Palliative Care Registered Nurses
• Certified Palliative Care Physician
• Medical Social Workers
• Physical and Occupational Therapists
• Spiritual Counselors
• Registered Dieticians
• Home Health Aides

The Good Samaritan Hospital Palliative Care Program is headed by Pedro Calves, M.D., Eileen Roberto, RN, CHPN, and Barbara Kramer, RN, CHPN. For more information about our Palliative Care Program or to make a referral, call 631-376-4444