At 1st Care Palliative and Hospice, we are dedicated to providing palliative care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and improving quality of life for patients living with serious or chronic illnesses. Our personalized, holistic approach is designed to relieve symptoms, reduce stress, and provide emotional and spiritual support — all while honoring each patient’s unique wishes and goals.
Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments or as part of the transition toward hospice care when the time is right. Our experienced team collaborates with patients, families, and physicians to create individualized care plans that address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. We are proud to provide care wherever our patients call home, bringing peace of mind to families throughout Indiana.
Palliative Care Respects Individual Preferences We Are Committed to Comfort-Focused Care
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on relief from symptoms, pain, and stress caused by serious illness. It can be provided at any stage of illness and is often delivered alongside ongoing curative or restorative treatments.
This approach supports improved daily comfort and helps patients maintain control over their care decisions. It’s not limited to any specific diagnosis and is available to anyone with a chronic or life-limiting illness.
Holistic Approach to Palliative Care
At 1st Care Palliative and Hospice, our palliative care services are designed to meet people where they are. We support individuals in the home setting, helping to reduce hospital visits, streamline appointments, and coordinate care that brings comfort and peace of mind.
We work in partnership with a patient’s existing care team, including their primary care provider and specialists, to manage symptoms and ensure each person’s goals and values are honored throughout their care experience.
Our palliative care includes:
- Relief from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms
- Support for patients undergoing treatment for serious or chronic conditions
- Guidance with goals of care discussions and advance care planning
- Emotional and psychosocial support for patients and families
Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care?
Palliative care is appropriate for individuals living with serious or chronic conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Neurological conditions
- Advanced age with frailty or complex health challenges
Our team works closely with your physicians to ensure seamless, coordinated care focused on what matters most to you.
The Palliative Care Team
Our palliative care team is made up of experienced professionals who work together to support each patient and their loved ones. Our community-based approach ensures that care is aligned, responsive, and accessible—wherever the patient feels most at home.
What the Team Provides:
- A nurse practitioner to coordinate care, manage symptoms, and communicate with other medical providers
- A licensed clinical social worker for emotional support, counseling, and help navigating advanced care planning
- Collaboration with your existing doctors and specialists to ensure unified care
- Clear communication that helps everyone involved stay informed and supported
- A flexible model that works in private homes, assisted living, and other residential settings
Palliative Care at Home Comfort and Support Where It Matters Most
Our goal is to help individuals feel safe, supported, and respected—wherever they live. By delivering care in the home, we reduce disruptions to daily life and help patients avoid unnecessary medical visits or transitions. Our community-based model puts focus on personal well-being, clear communication, and steady guidance.
Palliative vs. Hospice Care Understanding the Difference
Palliative care supports those living with serious illness and can begin at any stage of a diagnosis. It is often provided months or even years before hospice care is considered. Hospice care, by contrast, is focused on end-of-life support, typically during the final six months of life when curative treatment is no longer being pursued.
At 1st Care Palliative and Hospice, patients who begin with palliative care can transition seamlessly into hospice care when needed. This approach allows for consistent support and a trusted team throughout the care experience.
Is Palliative Care Right for You or a Loved One?
If you or someone you care about is living with a serious illness and experiencing discomfort or frequent hospitalizations, palliative care may help provide relief and direction. Our team is here to answer questions and offer the support needed to make informed choices.
Signs It May Be Time for Palliative Care
Why Palliative Care? Comfort, Guidance, and Support
Palliative care can help manage symptoms, improve daily comfort, and reduce hospital visits. It does not replace the patient’s current doctors—instead, it enhances care by coordinating with the existing medical team and offering extra guidance and resources.
At 1st Care Palliative and Hospice, we are committed to supporting each person’s quality of life with care that is responsive, respectful, and available wherever the patient calls home.
Frequently Asked Palliative Care Questions
When should palliative care be considered?
Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness. It is appropriate when symptoms are difficult to manage or when additional support is needed to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
Can I still see my regular doctor?
Yes. Palliative care works alongside your primary care physician or specialists. Our team helps coordinate with them to manage symptoms and support care decisions.
Is palliative care only for cancer patients?
No. Palliative care supports individuals with many types of serious or chronic illness, such as heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, or neurological conditions.
Does receiving palliative care mean I’m dying?
Not at all. Palliative care is about improving how a person feels and supporting their overall well-being while managing a serious illness. It can be provided for months or even years.
Where is palliative care provided?
We provide care in the setting that feels most comfortable—at home, in assisted living, or other care environments.