Palliative FAQs
Here are the questions we are asked most often. If your question isn’t here, please contact us.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Both programs focus on comfort and quality of life for those with serious illnesses, however palliative care is delivered alongside treatments in conjunction with the patient's medical team.
Is palliative care end of life care?
No, palliative care is delivered when patients with serious illness are receiving disease modifying or life prolonging treatments.
When is palliative care appropriate?
Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of your serious illness, including right after diagnosis. Palliative care providers will assess your symptoms (such as pain, nausea, and constipation) as well as discuss your goals of care to help improve your qualify of life and reach reasonable goals.
What happens when you go into palliative care?
A Unity staff member will reach out to you to give you more information about the program, find out a little about you, and have you sign consents. After that, a nurse practitioner will be scheduled to see you within 2 weeks of referral.
Who is eligible for palliative care?
Anyone with a serious, progressive illness that is impeding your qualify of life.
Why is palliative care needed?
Palliative care is needed because it has been shown to improve a patient's quality of life through intense symptom management, thorough functional assessment, and interactive care coordination.
Can palliative care be done at home?
Yes, the home setting is ideal for palliative care as the provider can assess the whole person, family and living environment to help you cope with your serious illness. The home environment provides a relaxed, unhurried setting where the provider can get to know you to help you achieve your goals.
What does palliative care offer?
Unity palliative care offers high quality symptom management and care coordination for patents in their home alongside patient's traditional medical care. We are a consulting service that works together with patient's primary team to improve patient's quality of life through intensive symptom management, care coordination to achieve patient's goals of care.
Can we still pursue curative of life-prolonging treatments?
Yes. Our providers will foster relationships with your primary medical team to collaborate on your care.
How often do nurses/caregivers visit?
Nurse practitioners visit you in your home every 2-4 weeks. Visits are usually 1-2 hours long. No caregiving is provided.
Can the patient go the hospital?
While the goal is always to keep the patient out of the hospital, palliative patients are welcome to go when needed. The nurse practitioners will collaborate with the hospital team to give you the best quality care and will see you upon discharge.
Can we change our mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from palliative care at any time. We will notify your medical team of your decision.
How do I get palliative care?
Ask your medical provider to send a referral to Unity Palliative Care at 312-427-6004 (fax) alongside a recent history and physical showcasing your need for palliative care.
Do I have to stop seeing my physician/specialist?
No, we encourage you to continue your medical appointments as necessary.