Bluegrass Palliative Care is a consultative service for home-limited patients who suffer from an advanced illness. Our team of experts works with patients and their physicians to understand the patient’s goals, and together they develop a long-term plan to manage the symptoms that often accompany illness or aggressive treatment. These symptoms can include pain management, constipation, insomnia, difficulty breathing, anxiety and others. Our goal is to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers. Research has shown that palliative care can reduce emergency room visits, hospital admissions, improve quality and sometimes even lengthen life. BCN offers palliative care in hospitals, nursing homes and in-home settings. 

“We as a department are very proud to be experts in symptom management so that we can help you deal with a serious illness,” Katherine Lotzer, department of medicine clinical manager, said. “Because palliative care is a consultative service, we collaborate and have built strong relationships with healthcare providers to serve as the eyes and ears for their patients. They trust us to provide expert, compassionate care to treat the whole patient and improve symptoms.” 

In contrast, Bluegrass Hospice Care provides end-of-life care for patients who no longer receive treatments to cure a terminal illness, but instead choose care that improves comfort and quality of life. Many are surprised to learn that hospice is for weeks and months of care, not just for the last days of life. That time often begins when a physician expects a patient to live six months or less if their illness runs its expected course. 

Bluegrass Hospice Care provides patient-centered care wherever the patient calls home, whether a house, apartment, hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility. Our interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and personal care aides develop an individualized care plan to meet the patient’s goals, manage symptoms, assist with activities of daily living, offer emotional and spiritual support, manage medication, and provide caregiver support. 

“Hospice and palliative care are a gift to the entire family, not just the seriously ill loved one,” Lizzie Eubank, executive director of the department of medicine, said. “Not only does palliative care help improve one’s quality of life, but it also gives them the resources needed to understand their choices when it comes to medical treatment. Our team provides the best quality of care for our patients and families with such dedication and compassion, and I hope we can serve even more families in the future.” 

Throughout our 45 years, BCN has cared for more than 150,000 patients and their families across our service lines, serving almost 15,000 Kentuckians in 2022. Although the patients, services and locations have expanded, BCN has maintained its commitment to continual growth and patient-centered care, serving patients in 32 counties in Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky. For more information about our services, visit www.bgcarenav.org.