Palliative Care Rutland Regional Medical Center recognizes the special challenges faced by patients and families living with chronic or terminal illness. Our Palliative Care Team provides specialized care for the 'entire' patient, including compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual support, for the long term and at the end of life. Palliative Care helps patients and families maintain an optimal quality of life while dealing with constant medical concerns.

Led by a registered nurse, the Palliative Care Team is made up of professionals trained in pain and symptom management, emotional and psychological concerns, social and practical issues, spiritual needs, and other matters of interest to the patient and his or her loved ones. Depending upon a patient's condition and needs, members of the team may include physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy members, physical therapists, nutritionists and other specialists.

For terminally ill patients, the Palliative Care Team also provides expertise in end of life care. Team members will work with the patient and his or her family to determine specific health needs, establish Advance Directives, and create medical instructions.