Avera McKennan Palliative Care
Palliative care is a special approach to the care of people who live with chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness. The focus is on providing quality of life to patients with such conditions. This ensures comfort and dignity for the patient, and gives support to the family.
The focus of palliative care begins well before the patient requires hospice care. It is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness. All individuals—from pre-natal through geriatric—with chronic or acute severe life-threatening illness could benefit from Palliative Care.
About Palliative Care
Avera McKennan Palliative Care benefits patients and families through:
- comprehensive support for patients and their family;
- develop plans of care based on patient's thorough understanding of condition;
- pain control and symptom management throughout their disease process;
- help them understand their medical condition through family conferences;
- coordinate communication between patient/family and the physicians providing care, working closely with the patient's primary care provider;
- understanding benefits and burdens of treatment options;
- decision making and support — making decisions based on the patient's wishes and values.
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The Palliative Care Team
We have a team of professionals specializing in palliative medicine. The palliative doctor leads the team, working closely with your primary care physician, who will have regular contact with you.
The Avera McKenan Palliative Care team:
- Joann Bennett, DO
- Nancy Berndt, NP
- Anna Perry, MSW, LCSW-PIP
- Michele Snyders, MSW, LCSW
Besides you, your loved ones, and the palliative doctor, the team can also include: Your primary care doctor, nurses, social workers and Chaplaincy.
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Contact Us
- Avera McKennan Palliative Care
800 East 21st Street
Sioux Falls, SD
Phone: 605-322-8273
E-mail
Insurance
Physician charges are generally covered as any other physician service. Insurance companies will have varied reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company for benefit information.
The request for the palliative care can come from the patient/family, physician or other healthcare provider. Speak to your healthcare provider or nurse.
Advanced Directives
Advanced directives are forms that outline the care you would like to receive - or not receive - if you are unable to speak for yourself.
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FAQ's
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a kind of care for people who have chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness. Palliative care focuses on improving your quality of life—body, mind and spirit.
How do you differ from hospice?
All of hospice is palliative care, but palliative care can start helping patients earlier in their disease process.
Can I keep my own physician?
Yes. Your physician will work closely with your care team to make sure all of your needs are coordinated. Your physician's knowledge and input is important to the palliative care process and helps guide decisions with you and the palliative care team.
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