Palliative Care
CONTACT US
Palliative Care Program
Phone: 714-509-8960
Email: [email protected]
1201 W. La Veta Ave.
Orange, CA 92868
Palliative care is specialized, medical care for people living with a serious illness. It provides relief from the symptoms and stress of illness to enhance quality of life. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. It can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative care can happen at the same time as hospice and end-of-life care, but it is not actual end-of-life care.
The CHOC Difference
CHOC’s Palliative Care program is here to give extra support and reduce the amount of suffering experienced by patients with complex medical conditions. We are here to help patients, the people who love them and the healthcare team that cares for them.
The Palliative Care Team supports you by:
- Providing initial consultations and follow up help in the hospital, OPI and other clinics.
- Easing pain and managing symptoms and side effects.
- Helping with communication between families and healthcare providers.
- Identifying goals of and aligning all involved with the medical care plan.
- Educating healthcare staff.
CHOC is the only children’s hospital in Orange County with a pediatric palliative care program. Our team is available to provide care in the inpatient and outpatient settings. We will work with your other healthcare providers.
Information about Palliative Care Consultations
A palliative care consultation may be helpful for patients who:
- Have a serious illness.
- Would benefit from extra symptom and pain management.
- Want increased focus on improving quality of life and family support.
During a consultation, families and members of our care team would discuss:
- The goals of care,
- care preferences,
- advanced care planning,
- any spiritual and/or psycho-social distress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative Care
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Both palliative and hospice care help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care is used for chronic or life-limiting illnesses. Hospice care is used at the end of a patient’s life. Our palliative and hospice care services can be provided alongside regular medical treatments. Patients receiving hospice care can also receive palliative care if needed.
Does having palliative care mean there is nothing that can be done for my child?
There is always something that can be done for your child. Our team will talk with you and help you determine your child’s and your family’s most important goals. We will support you in meeting those goals and making decisions for your child that show how much you love them.
How do I know if my child is in pain or has symptoms that need managing?
Our team helps families recognize the signs of pain or discomfort in a child. These signs may include tension around the eyes or mouth or a “worried look” on the child’s face. By knowing these signs, we can respond with medication and non-medication treatments to help ease a child’s pain.
How do I cope with all of my feelings as a parent or family member?
It is very natural to be uncertain when a family has a sick child. Our team will work closely with your family to help you cope with any questions you may have.
Will my child be treated differently if they are connected with the palliative care team?
No, they will not. Palliative care is an extra service that is available for your child and family. It adds to the support and care that is provided. Treatment will not be kept from your child just because they are under the care of the palliative care team.
If my child is already under a specialty team, will the addition of palliative care services to my child’s care be more difficult?
No, it will not. The palliative care team’s goal is to support and advocate for the patient and the family. They work hard to improve communication between all members of the medical team.
Medical Staff
Our Palliative Care Experts
- Ellen Servetar, MS, RN, NEA BC – Director, Clinical Services
- Gardenia Bush, MHA – Program Administrator
- Joana Harrison, BSN, RN, CPHON, CPN – Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse
- Karina Ousley, MSW, LCSW – Social Worker