Supportive 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. Supportive 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 Supportive 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, supportive care nurse, care manager, social worker, chaplain, pharmacist, nursing assistants and dietitian.

Components of the Supportive Care program include:

• Advance directives
• Symptom management
• Collaboration with patient, family members, and physicians in the establishment and clarification of the patient's plan of care
• Spiritual and cultural counsel
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Education and preparation for time of death
• Grief, loss and bereavement counseling
• Life completion goals and tasks
• Emotional support

Support Groups

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 pm. 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 pm in the hospital's Conference Center. Call (504) 265-0581 for more information.