Palliative Care Program
Welcome to UC Davis Home-Based Palliative Care
UC Davis Home-Based Palliative Care (HBPC) provides exemplary care to the whole patient; addressing the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and practical needs of our patients, and their caregivers, throughout the course of a serious illness. Our patients benefit from in-home palliative care which can be provided concurrently with treatment-focused care. We provide an experienced team of Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Chaplain who deliver compassionate care with an emphasis on improving symptoms and maintaining quality of life. In partnering with you and collaborating with your referring provider, we seek the best possible outcomes for you on your journey.
Thank you for considering our program as your in-home palliative care provider and we hope to have the opportunity to share with you our approach to patient care. UC Davis Home-Based Palliative Care is fully committed to exceeding your expectations and leaving a lasting positive impression on you and your family.
Sincerely,
Pouria Kashkouli, M.D., M.S.
Medical Director, Home Health and Home-Based Palliative Care,
Associate Medical Director, Hospice
Dealing with a serious illness can be a lonely, demanding and complicated experience. It is important to remember that you aren’t alone. We provide care with respect for each patient’s values and personal choices, as well as their cultural and religious principles. Our team can help guide and care for you during this time, offering you improved comfort and peace of mind.
What is palliative care?
“I wish to express my deep appreciation for my home visiting nurse. Again and again she has gone above and beyond to ensure my comfort… heart and lung disease makes breathing very difficult. I thank her for every visit. She does make this terrible illness somewhat easier to live with.”
—from an HBPC patient
Palliative care focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people living with serious illness. It also provides support for family members affected by their loved one’s illness. Palliative care offers comfort, dignity and emphasizes quality of life through control of pain and other physical symptoms, along with relief of psychological, social and spiritual distress.
Palliative care occurs simultaneously and in coordination with all other medical treatment. The goal is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.
Click here to download Home-Based Palliative Care brochure (pdf)
How can palliative care services help?
UC Davis’ Home-Based Palliative Care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and certified home health aides. All offer compassionate, patient-centered care and have specialized training and expertise in helping people feel better when facing a serious illness.
Our team can help:
- Manage pain and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, depression and anxiety
- Ensure patients are as comfortable and active as possible
- Assist and support patients and families with difficult medical decisions
- Coordinate care and treatment during all stages of illness
- Provide 24-hour support with a registered nurse over the telephone
Is palliative care right for me and my family?
Home-Based Palliative Care is an option if you are experiencing discomfort, dealing with serious illness or facing complex medical decisions. This level of care may be especially helpful if you or a loved one:
- Have a serious, chronic, progressive condition
- Have physical, emotional, or spiritual distress related to your serious condition impacting your quality of life
- Are seriously ill and facing questions about the future including advanced care planning
- Want expert help navigating difficult medical decisions
