Coping with advanced illness is stressful – not only for the patient but also for those who love and care for them.

Palliative Care is a medical specialty devoted to caring for individuals with progressive illness. The goal is to maintain an optimal quality of life for patients and caregivers.

The Palliative Care Team at Roswell Park works with your attending physician and can join your care process at any time.  It is a common misperception that palliative care is offered only for patients who are ending curative treatment.

The Palliative Care Team includes:

• Margaret Eberl, MD, MPH – Pain & Palliative Care Physician
• Martha Bentley-McLachlan, RN, BSN, OCN – Pain & Palliative Care RN, Ambulatory Care
• Betsy Bodie, NP – Pain & Palliative Care Medicine
• Frank Brown, RN, MS, OCN – Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Kathleen Carpenter, LCSW-R – Medical Social Worker
• Linda Cimino, RN, OCN – Pain & Palliative Care RN, Ambulatory Care
• Kathleen Grandits, LMSW – Medical Social Worker
• Susan Swift Sharcot, L CSW-R, ACSW, OSW-C, Acting Manager of Social Work
• Jennifer Hyderman, PhD – Medical Psychologist
• Bethann Levin, LMSW – Medical Social Worker

 
Is Palliative Care Right for You?
 

Do you or someone close to you have an advanced disease?

Do you or your loved on have one or more of these symptoms?

• Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Constipation

Have you or your loved one experienced?

• A chance in the focus of your treament or care
• Frequent unscheduled clinic visits, emergency room visits or hospital admissions

Do you or your loved one need help with one or more of the following?

• Planning for your continuing care needs
• Healthcare decision-making
• Emotional or psychosocial support
• Spiritual support
• Legal assistance
• Financial concerns

If you or your loved one has identified one or more of these concerns,  you may wish to discuss a Palliative Care referral with your physician. You can contact the Palliative Care Team at 716-845-8022 for more information.