A serious or chronic health condition can bring many questions, symptoms and stress into your life. Nebraska Medicine Palliative Care is here to give you an extra layer of support. Our team works with you and your medical providers to help you feel better, understand your options and plan for what comes next in a way that works for you and your family.
Palliative care is open to any adult Nebraska Medicine patient living with a serious illness. This includes patients receiving cancer care as well as those managing other complex health conditions.
No matter what you are going through, we will figure this out together.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life while you receive treatment for a serious illness. We work with your medical team to help manage symptoms, reduce stress and support you through the physical, emotional and practical challenges that come with a complex health condition.
How palliative care helps
We tailor our support to what matters most to you. Common ways we can help include:
- Easing symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, anxiety or depression.
- Helping you understand your condition and what to expect.
- Supporting caregivers and family members.
- Checking in on the big picture of how your illness affects your daily life.
- Helping your doctors stay on the same page so your care feels coordinated.
- Talking through decisions about treatment options.
- Planning ahead so your care matches your goals and values.
Every person’s situation is different. Your care plan will be flexible and built around your needs.
Conditions we support
Palliative care supports people living with:
- Cancer.
- Heart failure.
- Chronic lung disease, including COPD.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
- Neurologic conditions.
- Dementia or memory decline.
- Complications from diabetes.
- Serious illnesses that cause symptoms, stress or daily limitations.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment is a conversation. There are no procedures. Our goal is to understand you as a whole person.
During your visit, we will:
- Ask how you have been feeling physically and emotionally.
- Review symptoms that are affecting your daily life.
- Discuss support for your family or care partner.
- Talk about your understanding of your illness.
- Learn about what matters most to you.
- Help identify next steps in your care.
Palliative care can continue throughout your illness, even as your goals change.
Why choose Nebraska Medicine
Nebraska Medicine is one of the few health systems in the region offering outpatient palliative care for both cancer and non-cancer conditions. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians help you manage symptoms, understand your options and stay in control of your care.
We work closely with your Nebraska Medicine specialists so your care feels coordinated and your doctors stay connected. With clinic locations and telehealth, you can get expert support in the way that works best for you.
Get started
If you think palliative care could help, ask your Nebraska Medicine provider for a referral or call our clinic directly at 531.559.2273 (CARE).
We are ready to help you take the next step.
