Care and Support for Complex Serious Illness
``Palliative`` (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tive) is a medical term that simply means comfort and relief.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is focused on promoting comfort and relieving the symptoms of a life-limiting diagnosis. It is appropriate at any stage of illness and patients can continue to receive curative treatments while receiving palliative services. In fact, palliative care can relieve many of the side effects caused by curative treatments. At Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, we partner with your personal physician to provide an extra layer of care.
Palliative Care Services
We offer the following palliative care services at our palliative care clinic, or in some cases, in your home.
We Listen
Determining the right care for you begins by listening — really listening — as you describe your situation. What do you know about your illness? What are your symptoms? How do they make you feel, physically and emotionally? What are your challenges? What are your goals?
We Educate
Receiving information about a complex illness in a way that is easy to understand is critically important for informed decision making by patients and families. We educate you on your specific disease trajectory and co-morbid conditions. We outline care options and answer you and your loved one’s questions.
We Coordinate Care
The medical provider who referred you to palliative care and your primary care provider, if different, are kept informed of your palliative care treatment plan which complements their treatment plan. We advocate for advance care planning so your treatment wishes are documented.
We Palliate
Our providers may prescribe medications that palliate symptoms resulting from your illness.
Palliative Care Checklist
Use the checklist below to see if palliative care can help you or a loved one.
Still Unsure About Care?
If you are unsure if your loved one needs palliative care, use our online checklist.
We’re ready to help you regain the comfort and quality of life you deserve.
To discuss your specific situation and learn which services are best suited for you, call us at 719.633.3400.
Common Questions about Palliative Care
Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
No. Hospice Care is a specialized form of Palliative Care. Palliative Care is a medical sub-specialty delivered by our medical providers, similar to when you visit any other medical specialist. Hospice is a comprehensive array of services delivered in your home and provides medications, medical supplies, and medical equipment delivered to your home, often covered by insurance 100%.
How does the palliative care specialist work with my own physician?
Your physician continues to direct your care. The palliative care specialist may act as a consultant providing recommendations to your provider or implement a plan of care that complements your provider’s plan of care including recommendations on:
- Symptom management
- Goal clarification and advance directives
- Prognostication
Does my insurance pay for palliative care?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances typically offer benefits for palliative care services.