Palliative care specialists in Myrtle Beach
Palliative care is specialized pain management and patient support service provided during treatment for a serious illness. Grand Strand Health is committed to making you as comfortable as possible while you receive this targeted form of care. We also streamline communication between you, your medical team and your loved ones throughout the treatment process.
Benefits of palliative care
Palliative care helps ease mental and physical symptoms during the treatment of various conditions. This can be helpful at any stage of illness but is most effective when provided from the point of diagnosis. You may benefit from palliative care if you have:
- A chronic, progressive pulmonary disorder, renal disease, congestive heart failure or a progressive neurological condition
- A history of hospitalizations
- A recurring infection or non-healing wound
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer requiring intense treatment
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Chronic pain or severe discomfort
- Parkinson's disease
Our palliative care team
We will collaborate with your medical team throughout the treatment process. A board-certified clinician will create a care plan and set goals for you. Depending your condition and needs, your care team may also include:
- Chaplains
- Counselors
- Hospice clinicians
- Music therapists
- Registered dietitians
- Social workers
Palliative care versus hospice care
Palliative and hospice care are not the same service. Unlike hospice, palliative care does not discontinue curative treatment nor require your illness to be end-stage or terminal. Palliative care focuses on:
- Medical care (information and services)
- Social support (facilitating support from family members and loved ones)
- Emotional care (support groups and counseling)
- Spiritual services (religious support and counseling)
- Mental healthcare (counseling. meditation and help with sleep disorders, anxiety or depression)
- Financial support (help finding free or low-cost medicine)
- Physical care (help managing pain and fatigue)
