Palliative Care at NVNA & Hospice
Palliative care is a holistic, person-centered approach that improves quality of life and relieves the suffering of patients and families living with serious illness.
Palliative care is all about what is most important to you as a whole person – not just your diagnosis.
Call us at (781) 659-2342 for more information.
Palliative Care Offers
Relief
Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms (physical, psychosocial and spiritual)​
Stress Management
Helps to manage the stress of living with serious illness.
Integration
Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care.
Lifestyle Support
Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible and adjust to change in their ability.
Coping Support
Offers a support system to help families cope and make a plan for end-of-life care.
Teamwork
Uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families and more.
How To Begin Palliative Care
Typically, your primary care physician refers you to palliative care. Please request NVNA and Hospice by name when you speak to your doctor or other healthcare provider. Or, just give us a call at (781) 659-2342 and we will work with your healthcare provider to get you started.
Patients who benefit from palliative care include those with:
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Cancer
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COPD
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ALS, Parkinson’s or Dementia
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Kidney or Liver Disease
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Heart failure
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Uncontrolled symptoms (pain, insomnia, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation, anxiety, etc.)
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Frequent hospital visits
Remember that...
All of hospice is palliative care,
but not all palliative care is hospice.
Meet The Palliative Care Team
Our team works with you and your family around your goals of
care, advanced care planning, and symptom management. It is our goal to provide the best individualized palliative care plan for you or a loved one. If you are located on the South Shore, please know that our palliative care team is here to help.
John Stevenson, M.D.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Medical Director
Allison Leikam
MSN, CNP, AGPCNP-BC
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
Christina DeFusco
NP, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
M. Mary Fay
NP, MSN, FNP-BC
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
We are experts in providing tender care. Your team might include our physicians, nurse practitioners, occupational, speech and physical therapists, social workers, chaplains, dietitians, and home health aides.
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To learn more about palliative care or any of our services listed above, please call NVNA and Hospice at (781) 659-2342 and ask for our intake team.