Advanced Illness Care

Today’s medical treatments can often ease or even cure serious illness. Yet sometimes those same treatments and the disease itself can also cause pain and other unpleasant side effects, adding to the stress of being sick. Just coping everyday with illness can also take a toll, as patients and caregivers worry about managing medications, appointments and expectations for the future. That’s when advanced illness care (known as palliative care) can help both the individuals with the illness and their loved ones.

What is Palliative Care?

Advanced Illness Care (known as palliative care – pronounced PAL-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It focuses on relieving the symptoms, pain and stress of illness, with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and family.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone, of any age, suffering from a progressive illness can access advanced illness care at any point in their treatment. Progressive illnesses are illnesses that may get worse over time, and include but are not limited to:

  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Neurologic disease (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke)
 

How Can I Get Advanced Illness and Palliative Care?

To start services, talk to your health care provider about getting an order for advanced illness care (known as palliative care). Advanced Illness Care can be provided along with treatments aimed at curing the disease or alone.

Either way, advanced illness care can help improve symptoms and ease concerns such as:

  • Pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
  • Emotional distress affecting patients and/or families
  • Confusion about what to expect in the weeks and months ahead
  • Other needs

What Can I Expect from Capital Caring Health’s Palliative Care Team?

Palliative care specialists will work with the patient’s primary medical team to address your unique needs.

  • For the convenience of patients and family members, advanced illness care is delivered virtually in many different settings, including homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other locations.
  • The advanced illness care provider will assist with expert symptom management, help clarify information and your options, assist in finding needed resources, and address any of your concerns about the illness.
  • How often a team member visits will depend on your needs and will be discussed during your first visit and follow-up visits.

The advanced illness care team works with your doctors and other care providers to make sure everyone is aware of your needs and your plan of care (including medications, other ways to manage symptoms, and needed supports).

Click here to start care now, or call the 24-hour care line at 800-869-2136

Learn more about our Palliative Care Clinic located at the Capital Caring Health Adler Center on the Van Metre Campus in Aldie, Virginia.

Meet Our Team

Matthew Kestenbaum, MD

Hospice Care Co-Executive Lead

Who pays for Advanced Illness Care?

The cost of care for advanced illness and palliative care services are typically covered by regular Medicare Part B, some Medicaid programs, and many commercial health plans.

Deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and other restrictions may apply, so it is important to check your individual policy or contact the plan administrator to determine your specific benefits.

Capital Caring Health: We’re Here to Help

When you think you or a loved one might benefit from advanced illness care, we have the detailed information and support you need. To discuss how Capital Caring Health can help you, please call: 800-869-2136.

Areas We Provide Hospice Care

Maryland
Virginia
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Reach out to one of our care experts today.