When you walk into MeritCare's Palliative Care Unit, you instantly feel the difference — this is far from your ordinary hospital unit. The atmosphere is one of warmth, comfort and love. It's a place to laugh and a place to cry. It's a place where patients and families can make themselves at home, where visitation hours are non-existent and togetherness is given top priority. The unit, small and quiet, exudes a feeling of calm for all who enter. This is truly a special place.
Palliative Care
Palliate means "to ease" and at MeritCare's Palliative Care Unit, that is exactly what we do. We aim to ease your worries, stress, feelings of despair and pain that can be physical, spiritual and emotional.
Medical Team
An interdisciplinary team of trained nurses, chaplains, social workers and doctors provide compassionate and supportive care to both the patient and family. The team is led by medical doctors with training and experience in palliative medicine. The team works collaboratively with the patient's own doctor to plan appropriate care. But most importantly, what directs the plan of care is knowing and following the patient's wishes and goals.
A Time of Transition
For many patients and families, a stay in Palliative Care is a time of transition. It may be a transition from living at home independently to needing more community services at home or making the transition to a nursing home. For some patients, it might be a transition to focused care for intensive symptom management, such as pain. For other patients, it means a move from a focus on cure to one of supporting patient choices and quality of life. Within a unique atmosphere, MeritCare Palliative Care may provide end-of-life care where family and friends can surround their loved one when they need them most.
A Comfortable, Caring Place
The unit has many amenities that will make a stay more comfortable. These include a family lounge and sleeping rooms for family members staying with their loved ones. A computer on the unit is available for families to use CaringBridge, a free service that is for patients and families to communicate via personal Web pages. A CaringBridge Web site includes a journal where you can post information and a message board where relatives and friends can send messages of support and encouragement.
Why Move to Palliative Care
If you think the Palliative Care Unit may be the right place for your loved one's care, discuss this option with the doctor he or she is seeing in the hospital. A palliative care doctor will be consulted and then will visit with the patient and family to determine whether they would benefit from a transfer to the unit.
Testimonials
I know there is no way I will be able to put into words what you all have done for me and my family. You were all my center and I will forever remember you and be grateful to you. Your support and generosity, your prayers, your hugs....wow! I am just so glad that you are there for the patients and families in Palliative Care. God bless you all."
Mom spent her last days at the Palliative Care Unit and we spent much time there with her. The staff was fantastic to the extent that I really can't describe it. We were all treated like family and shown levels of love and caring that must truly be heaven sent. You should be a proud model for communities all over the nation for providing the highest quality of end-of-life care for people who wisely choose to spend their final days in your area."
Health Library
Learn more about the concept of palliative care in the health library.
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1720 University Dr S
Fargo, ND 58103