Palliative care is an approach to health care that focuses on relief of suffering and symptom management, rather than on curing disease. It is designed to help provide the highest quality of life possible for people with illnesses that cannot be cured, or conditions that are life-limiting. Our team works together with your own treatment team to provide care that relieves symptoms such as pain, nausea or shortness of breath, or that provides a smooth transition from curative care to comfort care. Palliative care can be provided as an alternative to aggressive treatment, or in addition to treatment.

Palliative care is different from hospice care, and offers services such as:

• Hospital visits and medication adjustments for better pain control
• Supportive counseling for patients and loved ones
• Coordination of care with treating physicians and nurses
• Integration of psychological and spiritual aspects of health care with the physical aspects
• Information on the course of illness, the dying process, and other health concerns
• Creating a comforting, soothing environment for the dying patient
• Companionship for patients who are dying and are alone

Palliative care is provided at the request of your doctor or nurse, by a team of skilled professionals in symptom management and end of life care, including:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Social worker
• Pastoral care

To find out more about SJMHS Palliative Care Program, contact us at:

SJMHS Palliative Care Program
5301 E. Huron River Dr., P.O. Box 995
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0995
734-712-6076

To give a tax-deductible donation to support the work of the SJMHS Palliative Care program, please contact our Development Office at 734-712-4040.