Americans are living longer than ever before. As a result, many people are living longer with complex, debilitating illnesses which impact every aspect of their lives, from their physical health to their emotional well-being to their ability to socialize. Because of this, one of the oldest forms of health care is re-emerging.

Palliative care has become one of the fastest growing specialties in the United States. However, many people are still unfamiliar with palliative care and the many benefits it offers patients and their families.

What is palliative care?
The goal of palliative care is to alleviate physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. If that sounds a lot like hospice care, that’s because it is.

While hospice embraces the essence of palliative care, it is limited to those individuals whose life expectancy is 6 months or less, making hospice benefits unavailable for many patients who are chronically ill or receiving curative treatment.

This 6-month requirement, imposed by health care insurers, has led to later referrals to care and briefer stays on hospice, a frightening trend that means many people with life-limiting illnesses are unable to obtain the full benefit of comprehensive hospice care.

Palliative Care of the North Shore Responds to Growing Need
With the goal of supporting greater numbers of patients throughout various points in their illness and continuing our mission of responsiveness and innovation, Hospice of the North Shore (HNS) pioneered Palliative Care of the North Shore (PCNS) in 2002.

Unique Model Led By Physicians
PCNS now employs four nurse practitioners, two physicians and a program manager. The first palliative care program on the North Shore, we work with more than 40 long-term care facilities as well as area hospitals and assisted living communities.

PCNS is a consultation service that uses an interdisciplinary team model, including two advanced practice physicians board-certified in hospice and palliative care, four nurse practitioners with a specialty in geriatrics, as well as a number of social workers and chaplains who contribute credentials in pastoral care and psychology.

The PCNS service is available to any person with a life-limiting illness within the HNS service area. A consultation can occur at any time during the illness, even if the life expectancy extends to years and the person is receiving curative treatments.

How to Get Help or Learn More
For more information about palliative care or to make a referral to the program or request services for you or a loved one, please call our Admissions Office - 978-223-9777