Palliative care in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, we understand that symptoms of a painful and serious illness can make life difficult, and sometimes, unbearable. That's why we provide inpatient palliative care to make you more comfortable and to improve your quality of life during treatment. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness or treatment.

For more information about our palliative care services, please call (888) 421-1080.

The purpose of palliative care is to relieve the discomfort, symptoms and stress of serious illness, improving the quality of life for both you and your caregivers. Palliative care often accompanies active treatment for illnesses, such as:

  • Cancer
  • Cardiac disease
  • Respiratory disease, including COPD
  • Kidney failure
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • AIDS
  • Amyotrophic sclerosis
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Palliative care does not replace your primary treatment. Rather, it works alongside your other treatments to improve how you feel.

How you benefit from palliative care

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, we work with you and your loved ones or caregivers to manage pain, symptoms or side effects. Your plan of care may include integrative care services that focus on your total well-being—mind, body and spirit. Our caring, patient-centered team works with specialists across the hospital to address:

  • Pain management
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Psychosocial support

In addition to having access to specially trained doctors and nurses, your palliative care team offers help navigating the healthcare system, guidance with difficult and complex treatment choices and emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.

Is palliative care right for me?

To determine if palliative care is the right choice for you or a family member, we've provided answers to common questions we receive from individuals and families. Talk with your physician or primary caregiver about receiving palliative care resources. We also have physicians and nurse practitioners on site for consultation. If hospice care is needed, we can refer you to a hospice provider that best meets your needs.

Palliative care may be appropriate for patients with serious illnesses who are experiencing pain and other symptoms. Consider palliative care if you or a loved one:

  • Suffers from pain or ongoing symptoms due to a serious illness
  • Experiences physical or emotional pain that is not under control
  • Has a prolonged stay in the hospital without signs of progress
  • Needs help understanding the disease process and coordinating care
  • Needs to establish goals of care and consider further steps for treatment

Will my insurance cover palliative care?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from Portsmouth Regional Hospital can help you explore options.

Who makes up my palliative care team?

Your palliative care team works closely with your doctor to determine a care plan to improve your quality of life, but does not replace your relationship with your primary doctor. Your team typically includes physicians with advanced practice, nurses with palliative care expertise, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, counselors and clergy.

When you leave the hospital, your palliative care specialist will help you make a successful transition to your home, hospice or the next level of care.