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Palliative Care

You can live well while living with a serious illness. Palliative care can help you spend more time at home while you’re in treatment. At HPCMV, our expert palliative care team works together with your existing treatment team to provide extra support—not just for you, but for your whole family. We empower you to better understand your illness and plan for getting the care that’s right for you.

Palliative Care at Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha's Vineyard

Care Coordination &
Planning


Our team facilitates care planning conversations and coordination of health care and resources

 Symptom Management & Monitoring


We offer focused medical visits and expert guidance to promote comfort and
quality of life

Emotional & Spiritual
Support


Our trained counselors offer support
guided by your beliefs
and traditions

Care Coordination & Planning

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Managing & Monitoring Your Symptoms

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Emotional & Spiritual Support

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Community Testimonials

“I couldn’t do this without [the HPCMV care team]. They are seamless in their care and commitment. Every team member, I can feel that this is where their heart is. They’re patient, caring, and compassionate—and that shines through. We work so collaboratively. They’ve given me guidance on how to care for her—and for myself. They always check in with me, too. It’s a relationship that’s very valuable to me.”

– Jen, Daughter of HPCMV Patient

 “I call them my family. I love them all—they’re very good to me. I’m not afraid to talk to them, and they listen to me. I trust them. I feel safe with them. Because of them, I’m comfortable here… in my own bed.”

– Dottie, HPCMV Hospice Patient

 

“Having been a patient volunteer for Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard for over 15 years, there is nothing more rewarding and humbling than being a part of this wonderful organization. I have never met such brave and graceful people in my life. Being a part of our Hospice team has no bounds for compassion with the whole family. It is my honor and privilege to be a part of this organization.”

-Barbara Magnuson Phillips

Palliative Care FAQ

What are the benefits of palliative care?
  • Symptom Relief: Eases pain, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms
  • Emotional & Family Support: Helps with decision-making, care planning, and reducing caregiver stress
  • Improved Quality of Life: Supports daily living and aligns care with your values
  • Cost Savings: Reduces hospital visits and unnecessary treatments, lowering overall healthcare costs
How do I receive palliative care?

Let your doctors or nurses know that you’d like to see the palliative care team. They’re there to support you and your family alongside your current care. Or call the Hospice and Palliative Care of Marthas’ Vineyard office directly at 508-693-0189. 

Palliative care can be delivered in many settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and in the comfort of your home.

The palliative care team works together with your existing doctors to provide extra support—not just for you, but for your whole family. This team offers expert symptom management, dedicated time to discuss your goals and care options, and guidance to help you navigate the healthcare system.

How is palliative care paid for?

Palliative Care services provided by Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard are not reimbursed by insurance and are paid for through fundraising, grants, and other types of philanthropy.

Can I still see my doctors?

Yes, you can still see all your regular doctors while receiving palliative care.

Palliative care is an added layer of support that works along with your current medical team. The palliative care team collaborates with your primary care doctor, specialists, and other healthcare providers to help manage symptoms, improve communication, and support your overall well-being—without replacing your current doctors.

Who is eligible for palliative care?

Anyone living with a serious illness can be eligible for palliative care—at any age and at any stage of the illness.

You don’t need to stop treatment or be near end of life to receive it. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments to help manage symptoms, improve comfort, and support decision-making.

Common conditions that may qualify you for palliative care:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease (like CHF)
  • Lung diseases (like COPD)
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver disease
  • Alzheimer’s or other dementias
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke
  • And more

If an illness causes pain, symptoms, or stress that affects your quality of life, you could benefit from palliative care.

Recommended Additional Resources:

Hospice Foundation of America

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides programs and resources for professional development, public education, research funding, and information on hospice, palliative care, caregiving, and grief.

Caring Info

CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care. 

Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts

HPCFM’s mission is to advance and promote excellence in end of life care by: advocating for its members, patients, families and the end-of-life care giving community; providing education and enhancing awareness.