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Orange County Palliative Care Services

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Each of the SALUS staff are top notch. Everyone is always so kind and pleasant and willing to assist with whatever situations arise. You are each professional and are a pleasure to work with. I can’t thank you enough for your continual care and support. You are all angels!

Arthur N. March 15, 2024

The care was great. When I reached someone in the office, they were very helpful.

Mark T. Orange County Feb 27, 2024

Orange County Palliative Care Services

Curative Care

Physical and emotional support to help with the distressing side effects sometimes associated with a serious medical condition. The primary goal is to improve quality of life, but many patients also find treatment is easier to manage with curative care in place.

  • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
  • Emotional Support
  • Comfort Care
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Symptom Management

Managing symptoms associated with a serious medical condition helps you to maintain a higher quality of life and plan ahead to avoid common problems. Any symptoms are thoroughly assessed to create a safe and effective plan of care.

  • Medication Management
  • Communication with Medical Team
  • Complimentary Non-Medical Treatments
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Advanced Care Planning

Advanced care planning empowers you to make decisions about care, interventions and your goals to guide treatment. Reflection and information sharing are important components in this process and help you to feel confident about your choices.

  • Social Work Case Management
  • Information Regarding Wills & Power of Attorney
  • Advanced Directive Planning
Learn More
What is Palliative Care?

What is Palliative Care?

If you or a loved one are faced with a serious illness, palliative care provides specialized medical support and relief from the symptoms and stress associated with the disease. This family-centered approach is appropriate alongside curative treatments to improve quality of life, help you better understand your treatment options and better manage distressing symptoms associated with your medical condition.

Palliative care offers curative care that enhances quality of life and provides you with important comfort measures, pain management tools and emotional support. Side effects that commonly accompany aggressive treatments include nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue and muscle spasms. With curative care and in close consult with your physician, palliative care nurses can often shorten the duration or severity of these side effects and make coping with your disease a more manageable experience.

Reducing the symptoms associated with a complex medical illness supports curative treatments and makes day-to-day life more enjoyable. When symptoms are properly managed, you can focus more on your quality of life and any curative treatments because emotional and physical distress feel less cumbersome.

Advanced care planning is about making important decisions about your care while living with a life-limiting illness. Practical help in completing forms, connecting with professionals and understanding options makes this process easier and helps ensure your goals and values continue to be respected as you’re making these important decisions.

Who Benefits from Palliative Care Services?

Who Benefits from Palliative Care Services?

Palliative care is appropriate for any patients faced with a serious illness that may shorten one’s life. Services can be used in conjunction with curative treatments and often help to enhance outcomes. Serious illnesses may include cancer, HIV, liver disease and others, and services can begin even very early after diagnosis

Who Pays for Palliative Care Services?

Who Pays for Palliative Care Services?

Once your doctor states that palliative care services are medically necessary, it is a covered expense under Medicare, MediCal or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as well as by most private insurance companies. The medical portions of palliative care – physician and nursing services – are typically covered at 100%. Many of these programs also cover social work services. Salus can help you make contact with your provider and determine the specifics of coverage.

Hospice

A terminal diagnosis is often frightening and brings with it a wide range of emotions from anger to relief. At this time in life, it is more important than ever to receive compassionate hospice care and surround yourself with the people and things that you love most. As part of your support network, Salus Homecare of Orange County’s hospice provides spiritual, emotional and physical assistance that empowers you to live each day to the fullest. With the help of our interdisciplinary care team, you can experience less pain and more opportunities to realize your end of life goals.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?
Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Comfort and symptom management; Maintain comfort and quality of life during the end stages of a serious illness to which the doctor does not expect a cure; care for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Reduces suffering. Improve the quality of life for both the patient and family.
Why choose this type of care?
To stay in the comfort of your own home, avoid hospitalization, during your final months, weeks and days of life. To forego curative treatments, rather focus your remaining time left on things that matter most. There is no homebound requirement.
What kind of services are available?
An interdisciplinary team provides holistic care. Includes coverage for medications related to management of the end stage disease, Medical Equipment and Nursing Supplies (i.e Incontinence, Gloves, Woundcare dressings).
What insurance plans cover hospice care?
Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid 100% covered; Most private insurances also have coverage, including VA benefit
How often does the care happen?
Hospice support is available 24/7 although the frequency of intermittent visits can vary based on the patients individual care needs and can change as the patients' needs change
Who is involved in the delivery of care?
Hospice has an Interdisciplinary approach to care, the hospice team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, spiritual care coordinator, home health aide, and volunteers
Who determines what care is delivered?
The hospice team works together with each patient and their family/caregivers to determine the services they would like to receive while under Hospice care. Collaborates with the physician for updates and orders.
Is a physician order required?
Yes
Is anything else required?
Patient must have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less certified by two physicians
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?
Medical equipment is typically included in your hospice care benefits through the VA, Medicare and private insurance plans. We will help you to determine the right equipment and assist with ordering it and ensuring it is delivered to your home.
Will hospice cure my disease?
No, the intent of hospice care is to provide relief from pain and support in the end stages of life. The program neither hastens nor prolongs life but it does help to improve quality of life for the patients and their family members.
Who is hospice care right for?
Hospice is designed for patients during the last 6 months of life if the disease runs it's usual course. Should the patient's condition improve, the hospice team will assist with discharge planning from hospice to other healthcare options.
How do I get started?
Discuss your desire for care with your physician and give Salus a call. We will schedule an assessment and work with your physician to determine eligibility for care.
(888) 725-8742

Palliative Care

A diagnosis of an illness that could alter one's life can make it challenging to maintain your quality of life while pursuing curative options and coping with the temporary and permanent changes that come with the disease. During this time, having the right balance of physical and emotional support empowers you to live each day to the fullest and may even improve your prognosis. Salus Palliative Care of Orange County provides this personalized support, right at home. Our interdisciplinary team helps you to experience less pain and discomfort and more opportunities to realize your goals while maintaining your independence.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?
Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Comfort and symptom management; Maintain comfort and quality of life during the end stages of a serious illness to which the doctor does not expect a cure; care for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Reduces suffering. Improve the quality of life for both the patient and family.
Why choose this type of care?
May receive curative treatments between the home and hospital during the last months, weeks and days of life. Medicare requires the patient must be homebound.
What kind of services are available?
Interdisciplinary team provides holistic care. Patient's physician arranges Medical Equipment and Medications; must be authorized by insurance.
Who pays for this service?
Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid with no co-pay;Most private insurances also have coverage. May have co-pays according to plan.
How often does the care happen?
Intermittent visits by the Palliative Care Team according to an individualized plan.
Who is involved in the delivery of care?
Palliative care is ordered by the patients physician and may include a RN or Nurse Practitioner, medical social services and a consultation with spiritual care.
Who determines what care is delivered?
Palliative Care Team, led by a Nurse Practitioner, confers with the patient's physician in developing a unique plan to meet the needs of the patient and family. Includes Advanced Care Planning discussion on end of life goals.
Is a physician order required?
Yes
Is anything else required?
Patient must meet home-bound requirements.
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?
Depends on eligibility
How do I get started?
Discuss desire for care with your physician; Give Salus a call
How long does the service last?
As long as patient meets eligibility guidelines for Home Health care. As condition declines, many patients choose Salus Hospice to best meet their holistic needs, including experienced end of life care staff.
Why choose Salus?
Salus offers the patient and family with the most expert and nurturing care during all phases of a patient's healthcare journey. At Salus we are "Always There" and provide the patient and family with choices across the continuum of care.
(888) 725-8742

Hospice

A terminal diagnosis is often frightening and brings with it a wide range of emotions from anger to relief. At this time in life, it is more important than ever to receive compassionate hospice care and surround yourself with the people and things that you love most. As part of your support network, Salus Homecare of Orange County’s hospice provides spiritual, emotional and physical assistance that empowers you to live each day to the fullest. With the help of our interdisciplinary care team, you can experience less pain and more opportunities to realize your end of life goals.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?
Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Comfort and symptom management; Maintain comfort and quality of life during the end stages of a serious illness to which the doctor does not expect a cure; care for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Reduces suffering. Improve the quality of life for both the patient and family.
Why choose this type of care?
To stay in the comfort of your own home, avoid hospitalization, during your final months, weeks and days of life. To forego curative treatments, rather focus your remaining time left on things that matter most. There is no homebound requirement.
What kind of services are available?
An interdisciplinary team provides holistic care. Includes coverage for medications related to management of the end stage disease, Medical Equipment and Nursing Supplies (i.e Incontinence, Gloves, Woundcare dressings).
What insurance plans cover hospice care?
Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid 100% covered; Most private insurances also have coverage, including VA benefit
How often does the care happen?
Hospice support is available 24/7 although the frequency of intermittent visits can vary based on the patients individual care needs and can change as the patients' needs change
Who is involved in the delivery of care?
Hospice has an Interdisciplinary approach to care, the hospice team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, spiritual care coordinator, home health aide, and volunteers
Who determines what care is delivered?
The hospice team works together with each patient and their family/caregivers to determine the services they would like to receive while under Hospice care. Collaborates with the physician for updates and orders.
Is a physician order required?
Yes
Is anything else required?
Patient must have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less certified by two physicians
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?
Medical equipment is typically included in your hospice care benefits through the VA, Medicare and private insurance plans. We will help you to determine the right equipment and assist with ordering it and ensuring it is delivered to your home.
Will hospice cure my disease?
No, the intent of hospice care is to provide relief from pain and support in the end stages of life. The program neither hastens nor prolongs life but it does help to improve quality of life for the patients and their family members.
Who is hospice care right for?
Hospice is designed for patients during the last 6 months of life if the disease runs it's usual course. Should the patient's condition improve, the hospice team will assist with discharge planning from hospice to other healthcare options.
How do I get started?
Discuss your desire for care with your physician and give Salus a call. We will schedule an assessment and work with your physician to determine eligibility for care.
(888) 725-8742

Home Health

There are many challenges in life that can make it difficult to remain independent and function in a way that promotes health and longevity. When those challenges are difficult to manage alone, Salus Homecare of Orange County is here to help. Our professional caregivers provide customized non-medical care in the home environment. With our assistance, our clients often state they are happier, healthier and enjoying life more. If you need help with ADLs, IADLs, companionship for supervision for a loved one, click the link below to learn more.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?
To regain prior level of function/health. Promote the patient's ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.
Why choose this type of care?
To regain health and to resume the previous level of function and independence.
What kind of services are available?
Multidisciplinary team approach. Patient's physician arranges Medical Equipment and Medications; must be authorized by insurance.
Who pays for this service?
Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial Insurance or by the patient directly; May have co-pays according to plan.
How often does the care happen?
Care is determined by the doctor but is typically comprised of intermittent visits by nursing and therapy over the course of 30-60 days according to an individualized plan
Who is involved in the delivery of care?
Home Health services are ordered by a physician and can include nursing, physical, occupational or speech therapy, medical social services, home health aide and registered dietician
Who determines what care is delivered?
The patients ordering physician determines the disciplines necessary to meet the patients' needs
Is a physician order required?
Yes
Is anything else required?
Patient must meet home-bound requirements
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?
Depends on eligibility
How do I get started?
Discuss desire for care with your physician; Give Salus a call
How long does the service last?
As long as the patient has the potential for improvement with restorative treatment. Must meet insurance eligibility guidelines.
Why choose Salus?
Salus offers the patient and family with the most expert and nurturing care during all phases of a patient's healthcare journey. At Salus we are "Always There" and provide the patient and family with choices across the continuum of care.
(888) 725-8742

Home Care

Life's challenges can make it difficult to remain safe at home as you age in place. Salus Homecare of Orange County is here to help. Our professional caregivers provide personalized non-medical in home care that helps clients overcome challenges and reach their goals. Our caregivers empower clients to remain secure, comfortable and healthy while enjoying a higher quality of life every day. Services include support with ADLs, IADLs and respite care. If you or a loved one are in need of support, click the link below and contact us to learn more.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?
To remain safe and comfortable in your own home or place of choice in times of recuperation or during the normal aging process
Why choose this type of care?
Maintain dignity and independence allowing you to age safely in the comfort of home. May also be helpful to assist with care needs following surgery or hospitalization.
What kind of services are available?
Assistance with activities of daily living can include bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Also light housekeeping and other requested services.
Who pays for this service?
Private pay; for those that have long term care insurance their policy may pay a good portion of the costs; for those qualifying war-time veterans (or spouse) the VA covers a small portion.
How often does the care happen?
As often as you would like. Can be hourly for brief periods (min of 4 hrs) or up to 24hrs/day 7 days/wk
Who is involved in the delivery of care?
A case manager and a caregiver.
Who determines what care is delivered?
The case manager and family make this decision together
Is a physician order required?
No
Is anything else required?
An in-home assessment performed by the case manager to determine the plan of care.
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?
The majority of the time this will be the responsibility of the patient/family
How do I get started?
Give Salus a call. We will schedule a case manager to visit at no cost.
How long does the service last?
As long as needed and desired by the client
Why choose Salus?
Salus offers the patient and family with the most expert and nurturing care during all phases of a patient's healthcare journey. At Salus we are "Always There" and provide the patient and family with choices across the continuum of care.
(888) 725-8742

Palliative Care FAQs

Our Palliative Care services are below. If you need help figuring things out please give us a call: (888) 725-8742

Palliative care is accessible at any point in your illness and can be used alongside curative treatments. Hospice care is appropriate when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its expected course. Curative treatments stop when hospice care is put in place. Both focus on providing comfort and pain management, as well as emotional and spiritual support to enhance the quality of life.

Palliative care is first focused on helping you to feel more comfortable so you can enjoy a higher quality of life. Home health is typically focused on helping patients to better manage health conditions or following medical orders after a hospitalization, accident or illness. The educational component in palliative care is also unique, as it’s geared toward ensuring you understand your health condition and treatment options. As illnesses that warrant palliative care are also often life-threatening, this program includes emotional and spiritual support focused on helping you to better cope with the challenges and decisions that lie ahead.

Having a conversation with your doctor is often the best way to determine if palliative care is the right choice.  If you have difficulty managing pain or uncomfortable symptoms associated with your treatment, the complimentary services offered by palliative care may help you to feel more comfortable so you can better focus on your treatment. Many patients also find the emotional and case management support to be beneficial.

No, palliative care benefits your entire family. Knowing you have support eases many of the burdens your loved ones face and can help them to feel confident in having the information they need when they’re helping to provide you with care too. Your doctors will also benefit from palliative care as our services enhance communication and provide an extra layer of support in improving your quality of life.

Salus Palliative Care is available in your home, so there’s no need to leave. Our nurses, social workers, chaplain and volunteers will come to you and provide care under the direction of a personalized care plan that addresses your wishes and goals.

Salus of Orange County determines how often to visit patients based on their acuity, condition and wishes. While most patients will receive visits from a licensed nurse and caregiver about twice a week, each care plan is personalized. We can give you a better idea about how often visits are recommended after consulting with your doctor and completing your initial evaluation.

You can expect relief from the symptoms associated with your illness. This might mean that you experience more energy and stamina or feel more confident getting out of bed and enjoying each day more. Our team will help you to remain more independent in your day-to-day life and provide care that compliments any medical interventions you choose to continue taking advantage of.

No, there is no need to stop seeing the medical professionals who you have developed a relationship with. You can keep your own doctor while taking advantage of palliative care services. In fact, the team at Salus will work with your doctor to determine the best course of action in keeping you comfortable and free from pain. We’ll also consult with your doctor as we develop your treatment plan and whenever we notice a setback or improvement in your health condition.

After being diagnosed with a serious medical condition, it can be difficult to think clearly about what comes next. In this situation, think of simple questions to start the conversation with. Ask your doctor to repeat anything you don’t understand. Ask about his opinions when it comes to deciding what comes next. Take time to repeat things back to your doctor to ensure you understand what was said. Finally, ask if he feels palliative care might be a good choice. If your doctor is unsure about the program or lacks information to help you make an educated choice, contact Salus. Our Orange County palliative care team will be happy to assist you in starting this important conversation and getting the information you need.

Salus of Orange County palliative care addresses your physical needs (pain and symptom management) as well as emotional and spiritual needs. We’ll also provide support to your family as they help you walk on this journey. With our services, you’ll feel more empowered to make your own care decisions, supported while making choices about treatment options or next steps and confident as you enjoy a higher quality of life.

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Call Our 24/7 Hotline: (888) 725-8742

Call Our 24/7 Hotline: (888) 725-8742

Call Our 24/7 Hotline: (888) 725-8742

Call Our 24/7 Hotline: (888) 725-8742

Call Our 24/7 Hotline: (888) 725-8742