We are excited to announce our new program, Transitions Palliative Care. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people facing serious illness. It focuses on relief from the symptoms, pain, and the stress of serious illness—whatever the diagnosis.

The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of staff who work together with a patient's doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and can be provided along with curative treatment. Our program is managed by our new Palliative Nurse Navigator, Angela Fontana. Angela has been with our agency since 1998, most recently as our Hospice Nursing Services Manager. Angela brings many years of experience with working with seriously ill patients and their families. She will be making regularly scheduled visits and phone check-ins to assist patients and families with understanding of their diagnosis, medical options and resources to which the patient may be eligible and appropriate. She will provide education and support for the patient and family and provide access to other community resources.

Volunteers will also be available to provide help in transportation for doctor appointments or treatment, breaks for the family and caregiver (respite), friendship & companionship, errands, chores, and food preparation.

We are offering this program with basic services described above at no cost. This program is available to those with an advanced serious illness. For more information, please contact our Transitions program at (707) 254-4161.