Palliative Care Program

Pathways palliative care program provides case management support and services to individuals living with serious and progressive illness. A nurse is always just a phone call away, 24/7. Improved quality of life is our number one goal. Make a secure online referral now to the Pathways Palliative Care Program or call us at (716) 304-1214.

About Pathways Palliative Care

Learn more about Pathways and how Palliative Care might be right for you. Take a moment to see the Pathways feature story in the Western New York Physician Magazine on pages 5 and 6.

View a letter from the Medical Director

Dear Niagara County Resident,

When a chronic health condition or serious illness adversely affects the quality of life of you or your loved ones, our Pathways Palliative Care Program can supplement medical treatments and connect you to the support services you need. Pathways specializes in case management that alleviates distress associated with advanced illnesses, including:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • ALS or MS
  • Liver or Pancreatic Disease
  • Neurological Disorders

Each Pathways patient is unique and treated with personalized attention as we develop a comprehensive care plan to alleviate discomfort and reduce suffering and hospitalizations. We help manage symptoms in your home, such as shortness of breath, loss of appetite or nausea, constipation, emotional needs and spiritual concerns, to avoid emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Our staff will educate you and your family about the disease process and provides assistance in decisions related to treatment choices and navigating the health care system. We also guide families in advanced care planning and connect them to a variety of community resources. We work collaboratively with primary doctors and specialists to create a plan with the goal of keeping the patient comfortable and independent at home.

Niagara County residents who are in Pathways can continue to receive treatments, such as cancer treatment, blood transfusions and dialysis. The program is covered by several insurance providers. Our registered nurses will conduct monthly visits while anticipating needs and ensuring appropriate medications are available in the home.

Patients and family members have 24/7 access to our nurses via telephone for advice and continued teaching of symptom management and utilization of available medicines. We also offer the following additional services:

  • Remote Monitoring: Telehealth and real-time evaluation of vitals and symptoms for faster response
  • Social Work: Counseling support and referrals to community services
  • Spiritual Counselor: Non-denominational support
  • Pharmacy: Medication review and recommendations for symptom management
  • Medical Director: Consultations to review conditions and progress

The Pathways team is always available for an evaluation to see how we can enhance the comfort and quality of life for the entire family. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and we develop an individualized plan in coordination with doctors that delivers exceptional care and essential support.

If you have any questions about our services or eligibility or would like to make a referral, please call 716-304-1214 or email info@PathwaysPCP.org and a staff member will respond promptly to discuss your family’s situation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard Castaldo
Medical Director for Pathways Palliative Care

“I was surprised to learn what services were available as well as the ability to reach out for assistance. They always followed up to ask what they could do and let me know what to be aware of. Pathways was recommended by our family doctor and we would have called sooner.”

– William, North Tonawanda

Palliative Care

Individuals with a serious illness or health problem may benefit from palliative care. Palliative care is the total care of individuals with serious, often chronic illness. It emphasizes relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, integrates the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of patient care. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team to patients living with a chronic, often progressive illness and their families.

The palliative care team works in partnership with the patient’s physician to coordinate and case manage care at no additional costs to eligible patients. Palliative care does not replace primary treatment; it works together with the primary treatment individuals may be receiving to address their disease or illness. It can be provided at the same time as curative treatment. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering, reduce hospitalizations and trips to the ER, all while improving quality of life.

Palliative care from Pathways can ease symptoms and assist in dealing with:

  • Breathing problems
  • Constipation
  • Depression and exhaustion
  • Loss of appetite and nausea
  • Pain and other symptoms
  • Sleeping problems or fatigue
  • Spiritual and emotional issues

The Pathways program can also help with:

  • Education about disease/illness and decision making
  • Coping strategies
  • Coordination of health care and navigating the medical system
  • Advance care planning and planning for the future
  • Access to community support services
  • Support for family members

The Pathways palliative care program provides a team approach to patient-centered care. Our team members recognize and understand that knowing who the patient is and what their wishes are help improve the care we can provide to ease pain and other symptoms, as well as emotional suffering and stress.

Pathways services from experts in the field provide relief from distressing symptoms and can also help patients deal with side effects of medical treatments. Services are available through several insurance providers. Individuals may also choose to pay privately for Pathways services.

Pathways Eligibility Requirements

Individuals facing serious, progressive illness including, but not limited to the following conditions may be eligible.

  • Cancer, whether or not the patient is undergoing active treatment with radiation or chemotherapy
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Progressive Neurological Disorders
  • Advanced Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
  • Repeated hospitalizations or ER visits

*Eligibility will be determined on referral.

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