Palliative Care focuses on the comprehensive management of the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of patients and their family members dealing with the progression of advanced disease. It affirms life and regards dying as a natural process and a profoundly personal experience. Palliative care neither hastens nor postpones death, but seeks to relieve suffering, control symptoms, and restore functional capacity while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and spiritual beliefs.

The Palliative Care team works closely with the patient's physician and caregivers to assist the patient in enhancing his or her quality of life. Members of the multidisciplinary team include: patient, caregivers, physicians, primary nurse, palliative care nurse, care manager, social worker, chaplain, pharmacist, nursing assistants and dietitian.

Components of the Palliative Care program include:

Support
Grief Support Group
The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to illness or other causes. Meetings are every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call (504) 456-5000 for location.

Compassionate Friends
This group is for families coping with the loss of a child. Meetings are the second Monday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the hospital's Conference Center. Call (504) 887-4599 for more information.

Caregivers' Support Group
Sponsored by Elder Advantage, this group gives support and encouragement to those caring for a loved one. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Elder Advantage resource room. Call (504) 454-4066 for more information.

Contact
Mailing Address
Palliative Care Nurse
East Jefferson General Hospital
4200 Houma Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70006

Phone
(504) 454-4997