What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care, also called comfort care, provides treatment and support when you face an age-related health condition, a serious or chronic illness, or if you have a terminal illness and have chosen to forego active treatment.

In recent years, the number of Sundale residents diagnosed with a terminal illness has consistently increased – from less than 2 percent of the resident population in 2004 to 16.7 percent in 2008. As Monongalia County’s only nonprofit long term care facility, Sundale had West Virginia’s second highest population of Hospice/Medicaid patients. (Office of Accountability & Management Reporting)

Fortunately, Sundale’s medical director, Dr. Vincent DeLaGarza, is board certified in palliative care medicine. His advocacy for the terminally ill and Sundale’s contractual relationships with Morgantown area Hospice providers (Hospice Care Corporation and Morgantown) have enabled residents to remain at Sundale, a place they know.

Palliative Care:

• Promotes quality of life for you and your family.

• Provides consultation on issues related to complex care planning.

• Eases physical and emotional pain and symptoms.

• Is provided by an interdisciplinary team.