Compassionate palliative care in southern New Hampshire

Symptoms of a painful or serious illness—or side effects from treatments—can make life difficult and even unbearable. Parkland Medical Center provides palliative care to improve your comfort and manage the symptoms of an illness.

Call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (877) 642-2362 for more information about palliative care or to arrange an onsite consultation with our physicians and nurse practitioners.

Palliative care works in conjunction with other treatments you’re receiving to help you feel better. Our holistic approach to palliative care incorporates pain management and coordination with family members, caregivers, counselors, clergy and social workers to alleviate symptoms of illness and treatment, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Psychosocial support
  • Shortness of breath

In addition to specially trained doctors and nurses, your palliative care team will help you navigate the healthcare system and make the right treatment choices. These professionals will also be available for your emotional and spiritual support.

Palliative care often accompanies treatment for illnesses such as:

  • AIDS
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Frequently asked questions about palliative care

We’ve provided answers to some common questions about palliative care to help you decide whether you need this service. If you need more guidance, arrange an onsite consultation with our physicians and nurse practitioners or talk with your primary caregiver about receiving additional resources for palliative care.

Is palliative care appropriate for me?

Palliative care is provided for patients with a serious illness or experiencing pain and other hard-to-manage symptoms. Palliative care is also helpful for individuals who:

  • Experience physical or emotional pain and need support
  • Have stayed in the hospital for a long time without showing signs of progress
  • Need help understanding the disease process and coordinating care
  • Need help setting goals for care and selecting the next steps for treatment

Will my insurance cover palliative care?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care. We can also connect you with social workers and financial consultants to go over your options.

What happens after palliative care?

When you leave the hospital, your palliative care specialist will help you transition home or to the next level of care. If hospice care is needed, we can refer you to a provider that meets your needs.