Are you or a loved one living with an advanced illness and experiencing pain, shortness of breath, or other persistent symptoms that are impacting quality of life? Have you made multiple trips to the ER recently? Western Reserve Navigator (WRN), a non-hospice palliative care program offered by Hospice of the Western Reserve may be able to help.
Palliative care is a specialized type of care that can be provided earlier in the course of a serious illness to provide relief from symptoms, help maintain greater independence and avoid repeated hospitalizations. It often serves as an extra layer of support for those who are undergoing treatments for cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and other advanced illnesses. Care is delivered in the home – including telehealth support during the pandemic – by a team consisting of an advanced practice registered nurse, a social worker, and volunteers.
“People can keep their own doctors and continue with medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and dialysis while they are enrolled,” explained Joan Hanson, RN, director of Western Reserve Navigator. “One of the best parts of the program is that it allows people to remain in their own homes.
“Social workers play a very helpful role. They can help communicate with insurance companies or the VA about benefits, connect the family with beneficial community services and keep the lines of communication open.”
When coping with a serious illness, loved ones are under stress, too, so the team supports the entire family. The program also includes around-the-clock phone access to nursing staff. This allows for uninterrupted care after normal business hours, on evenings, and over weekends. Volunteers provide additional support. For more information, call 800.707.8921
