"Palliative Care Services consist of a caring, multidisciplinary team that focuses on
symptom control of patients who are suffering with serious disease. Our team collaborates
with the patient, family members and physicians to maximize their quality of life."
Frazer Wadenstorer, MD
McLaren Flint
Palliative Care Service
(810) 342-2546
Fax (810) 342-4260
What is Palliative Care?
McLaren palliative care focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people with serious illness and their families, and assures comfort, dignity and quality of life. Palliative care is provided simultaneously with all other medical treatments.
Who Are the People Providing the Palliative Care at McLaren?
McLaren's Palliative Care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and pharmacists who have specialized training and expertise in helping people with serious illness.
How Can Palliative Care Service Help Me or My Family Member?
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Pictured front: Nancy Walsh-Clifford, Social Worker.
Pictured middle l-r: Cindy Reichert-Brooks, Nurse Practitioner
and Shelby Reed, Administrative Assistant.
Pictured back: Frazer Wadenstorer, M.D., Medical Director. |
McLaren's palliative care team has special expertise in helping patients feel better through serious illness with care that includes:
- Expertise in the relief of pain and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, depression and anxiety
- Respect for each patient's values and personal choices
- Assistance and support in making difficult medical decisions
- Help in ensuring patients are as comfortable and active as possible
- Coordination of care and treatment among doctors and at all stages of illness
- Identifying services to support patients and families after leaving our hospital
How do I know if Palliative Care is Right for Me or My Family Member?
The Palliative Care Service is an option for you in the hospital if you are experiencing discomfort, dealing with serious illness, or facing complex medical decisions. Palliative care may be especially helpful if you or your loved one:
- Have cancer, heart failure, AIDS, liver or kidney problems, or dementia
- Have pain, trouble breathing, or other distressing symptoms
- Are seriously ill, and face questions about the future
- Have difficult medical decisions to make and want help thinking them through
How Can I Get Help?
You, your family member, or any health care professional working with you simply needs to ask your doctor to call McLaren's Palliative Care Service department and request that they come to see you.
Will My Doctor Continue to Care for Me?
Yes. Your doctor will continue to take care of you and be in charge of your care. McLaren's palliative care staff will work with your doctor to insure that you get the best possible care.
Is the Palliative Care Service the Same as Hospice Care?
No. Palliative Care Service is based in the hospital. You can receive palliative care at any time during your illness and can receive all other treatments at the same time.
Hospice care is generally provided at home. Typically people in home hospice decide to forego curative treatments for their illness.
Will Palliative Care Follow Me After I Am Discharged?
Palliative care at home is a patient-directed specialty program, focused on symptom management of your illness offered through McLaren Homecare Group. The palliative home care nurse will see you in your home within 24 hours of your hospital discharge. These caregivers will continue your symptom management and also offer social work and spiritual care to you and your family.
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