Palliative care is designed for patients of any age and at any stage of a life-limiting illness who wish to receive additional support beyond their current treatment. The primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
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Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Palliative care is a form of specialized medical care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. It enables them to receive care for their symptoms alongside treatment that intends to cure the disease. Palliative care is designed to amplify the care a patient currently receives by improving their quality of life and may be a suitable option for patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer, dementia, heart failure, COPD and Parkinson’s disease.
Our team at Shiloh Hospice provides palliative care as part of our mission to support patients and their families in difficult seasons caused by life-limiting illness. We are dedicated to offering the comfort, medical care and education needed for families to make the most of these moments and the time they have together.
Who We Help With Our Palliative Care Services
Shiloh Hospice strives to be a fountain of comfort and support for those who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses. To that end, we often assist:
- Adults managing a serious illness whose current care plan isn’t fully addressing their pain, fatigue or daily challenges.
- Patients who want to keep pursuing treatment but need added help managing side effects, discomfort, anxiety or other symptoms alongside their care.
- Individuals and families who want to understand how palliative care can offer meaningful support much earlier in an illness.
- Those weighing difficult treatment decisions who need clear, compassionate guidance to make choices that reflect their personal values and goals.
- Families coordinating care across multiple specialists who feel overwhelmed by conflicting recommendations and unclear next steps.
- Loved ones recently referred to palliative care who want to understand how it works alongside their existing medical team.
- Patients and families coping with fear, grief, anxiety or emotional strain following a serious diagnosis who need support beyond medical treatment alone.
If you are interested in palliative care but worry that it may not apply because you or your loved one is not at the end of life, note that palliative care and hospice care are not the same. We provide palliative care to a wide range of patients, including those currently receiving curative treatments.
Who Provides Palliative Care?
Our palliative care team consists of various professionals who work alongside the patient, their family and their doctors to provide medical, emotional, spiritual and social support. Our nurses, doctors, social workers and chaplains work together to assist a patient, although the exact team members may vary depending on the patient’s unique needs. In order to start palliative care, the patient’s healthcare provider might refer them to a specialist, or this referral can be requested if needed.
What to Expect During Palliative Care
The goal of palliative care is to manage the symptoms of an illness and side effects of medical treatments. Palliative care can be given alongside curative treatment as per the patient’s wishes and the physician’s discretion. It may be an option to consider when you are wondering:
- If there are any programs or resources available to help you during your illness.
- What your treatment options are and the reasons for/against them.
- How to determine care that’s in line with your personal goals and values.
Research has shown that using palliative care early can ease depression and anxiety, boost the patient’s satisfaction with the care they receive and improve one’s quality of life when they have a serious illness.
Why Choose Shiloh Hospice for Palliative Care?
When considering palliative care, we know that you want to find a provider who offers genuine care and skilled medical capability. Shiloh Hospice provides:
- Comprehensive palliative support under one roof, including physician-directed care, nursing, social work, spiritual support, therapy services, dietary counseling and more.
- Holistic care for both patients and families, addressing physical, emotional and spiritual well-being throughout the treatment journey.
- Clinical leadership rooted in nursing experience, with owners who hold RN and NP credentials and a care model that balances compassion with strong medical oversight.
- Life-enrichment programs that go beyond symptom management, helping palliative patients maintain a meaningful quality of life throughout their care.
- A strong emphasis on patient and family education, helping families understand their care options and make informed decisions with confidence.
- The ability to work alongside any doctor, hospital or care facility, giving palliative patients the freedom to keep their existing providers while adding a layer of supportive care.
Our services are designed to ensure that both patients and their families receive the care they need during this deeply personal and challenging time.
Contact Us to Learn More
Choosing palliative care is a highly personal decision. You deserve to have all the information necessary to confidently make the decision that will be best for your family. Shiloh Hospice is here for you during this difficult time. Contact our compassionate care providers to learn more about palliative care and how we can help you.
FAQs About Palliative Care in Illinois
How does the palliative care team work with a patient’s existing doctors?
Our team works closely with our patients’ existing doctors. We act as an extension of their care team, providing specialized support to manage symptoms and enhance comfort. We maintain open communication for patient care that is coordinated, seamless and aligned with their overall treatment plan.
What are the emotional and psychological benefits of palliative care?
Living with a serious illness can be emotionally taxing. Palliative care addresses this by providing emotional, spiritual and social support. Receiving this kind of care early may help ease mental health struggles and improve patients’ overall quality of life.
How does Shiloh Hospice ensure that palliative care aligns with a patient’s personal goals and values?
Your goals and values are at the center of our care. We take the time to listen and understand what is most important to you. Our team helps you explore your treatment options and make decisions that are in line with your wishes so that your care plan truly reflects your preferences.
What happens if a patient’s needs change while receiving palliative care?
As an illness progresses, a patient’s needs may change, and our team is prepared to adapt care plans accordingly. If the condition improves, we can adjust our services. If the illness advances and a cure is no longer the goal, a doctor may recommend transitioning to hospice care for a greater emphasis on comfort. We can support you through any transition.
