Palliative Care

David Schumer MD and Modeline Jules NP Family Clinic offers palliative care, a specialized approach focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, aiming to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and provide comprehensive support to patients and their families.

Unlike hospice care, palliative care is available at any stage of an illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Our team of healthcare professionals collaborates closely with patients and their families to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences. By prioritizing comfort, dignity, and holistic well-being, we strive to empower patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible, regardless of the prognosis.

Through compassionate support and expert symptom management, we aim to enhance both the patient's and their family's overall quality of life during challenging times. Just a few of our palliative care services include the following.

Hands of a nurse practitioner helping stabilize a palliative care patient walking with a cane.

Assessing home safety and independence is crucial in palliative care. We evaluate if the patient's residence supports their well-being, addressing potential hazards and making necessary changes for the patient’s safety. Additionally, we consider the patient's ability to live independently, assessing their physical and cognitive capabilities to determine if living alone is possible.

Through comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans, we aim to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients, promoting their autonomy and quality of life while respecting their preferences and limitations.

Family meetings serve as opportunities for open communication and collaboration in palliative care. These gatherings open discussions among healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to address concerns, clarify treatment goals, and ensure alignment with the patient's wishes.

Through these meetings, we foster a supportive environment where families receive guidance, share insights, and actively participate in the decision-making process. By promoting transparency and empathy, we strive to enhance understanding, alleviate anxieties, and strengthen familial bonds.

Ultimately, family meetings play a pivotal role in empowering families to navigate the complexities of illness with their loved ones, all while promoting the holistic well-being of both patients and their loved ones.

Palliative Care for Geriatric Patients with Dementia

Dementia presents unique challenges in palliative care, particularly among geriatric patients and their caregivers. As cognitive decline progresses, individuals with dementia may experience difficulties in communication, decision-making, and managing daily activities. Our approach to dementia care emphasizes compassionate support for both the patients and their caregivers, in addition to symptom management and preservation of dignity. In later stages of dementia, our palliative care services transition to comprehensive and gentle end of life care.

We work closely with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans tailored to the patient's cognitive abilities, preferences, and quality of life goals. Through ongoing assessments, education, and behavioral interventions, we aim to enhance comfort, promote autonomy, and improve the overall well-being of patients living with dementia.

Our commitment extends beyond medical management to provide holistic support, ensuring that patients, their caregivers, and their families feel empowered, respected, and cared for throughout their journey with dementia.

Palliative Care Services in Auburn, WA

David Schumer MD and Modeline Jules NP Family Clinic’s palliative care services provide compassionate support to individuals facing serious illnesses. We focus on enhancing quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Contact us today at (253) 804-3483 to request an appointment for personalized care and guidance for your loved one.