Guest Blog: What is a Pallative Care Consultation?
By Erin Van der Veer,
Community Nurse Home Care

When facing a serious illness, you can trust Community Nurse Home Care for guidance and support. Once diagnosed with a serious illness, you will be faced with many difficult decisions.  Palliative Care consultations are opportunities to meet with a Nurse Practitioner to learn about your condition and consider factors and possibilities which accompany a life-limiting illness. 

Palliative Care consultations are offered by our Nurse Practitioner Erin Van der Veer, a certified palliative care practitioner.  Expert-specialized care is provided to address pain control and symptom management.  Direction is given regarding difficult treatment choices with the goal of improving quality of life. 

Advanced Care Planning is a critical component, allowing for meaningful conversations on the importance of identifying a Healthcare Proxy (HCP) and completing a Medical Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). Time is dedicated at this difficult time to discuss you or your loved one’s priorities, wishes, and preferences.  Research supports that when a serious illness is accompanied by a palliative care consultation, there is increased quality of life. 

For more information on how we can help, please call Community Nurse Home Care at 508- 992-6278 or visit www.communitynurse.com