Palliative Care

Comfort and support in facing serious illness

What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a philosophy of medical and supportive care that addresses the total needs of patients living with serious, life-threatening illness – whatever the diagnosis or prognosis. Through relief of pain and other symptoms, and support with psychological, social, and spiritual issues, palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Palliative care and you
When you are in the hospital with a serious illness, you will have many questions about your condition and may face difficult decisions regarding your care. In addition, disabling physical symptoms or overwhelming emotions can sap the strength and inner resources you need to fight your illness and make the choices that are right for you.

The skilled health care professionals on St. Luke’s Palliative Medicine team will be there to ease your mind as well as your symptoms, and will support your individual goals, whether they be the desire to live more comfortably or the hope for a cure or a longer life. Our team will work with you, your physician, and your family to help you live the most fulfilling life possible.

Palliative care at St. Luke’s
The Palliative Medicine team at St. Luke’s includes a physician, an advanced practice nurse, social workers, chaplains, and other professionals who will be there for you every step of the way. They will work closely with your doctor to provide high-quality, compassionate, integrated care, including:

• Treatment of pain and other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath
• Help in navigating the health care system
• Guidance with medical treatment options
• Information and assistance regarding health care proxy and durable power of attorney
• Home care or Hospice coordination and referral
• Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family

When should I begin palliative care?
Palliative care can help at any stage of a serious illness, from the time curative treatment is the focus of care through the time when curative treatment may no longer be an option. Early palliative care involvement is recommended to begin prevention and relief of pain, increase tolerance to medical treatments, and improve your ability to carry on with your daily life.

How do I begin palliative care?

• If you or a loved one is in the hospital, ask your doctor for a referral. We will work with your doctor to help you and your family plan for the highest possible comfort and quality of life while in the hospital and after you are back home.
• Outside the hospital, call our Meridian Clinic located at 520 S. Eagle Road, Physician Center, Suite 1245, Meridian, Idaho 83642.
• Appointments (208) 381-6131.
• Questions about Palliative Care (208) 381-1615.
• For more information, visit getpalliativecare.org.

Peter Kozisek, MD
Medical Director
Curt Gedney, MD
Palliative Physician
Judith Perry, FNP
Palliative Nurse Practitioner
Amy Balstad, RN
Palliative Nurse