Many patients eligible for the pain and symptom management of palliative care do not access services due to misconceptions surrounding eligibility. We frequently hear from families we have served that they wish they had known about our care sooner. We want to help change that.
Individuals receiving other Medicare benefits, such as home health services and skilled nursing care due to a serious illness, are often eligible to receive palliative care at the same time. Patients may be eligible for palliative care if they:
Live with one or more chronic conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Alzheimer's, dementia, cancer, or other advanced illnesses
Make frequent visits to the hospital
Would benefit from pain or symptom management
Develop recurring infections
Experience weight loss
Lose ability to perform daily activities
Desire information regarding advance care planning