During a serious illness, supportive care helps people maintain the best possible quality of life.
Supportive care focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety or difficulty sleeping. It also helps individuals and families navigate complex medical decisions, understand treatment options and identify resources that can make daily life more manageable.
Supportive care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and may be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments. Early access to supportive care has been associated with improved symptom management, better communication between patients/healthcare providers and reduced stress for family caregivers.
Supportive care also recognizes that serious illness affects more than physical health. Emotional well-being, social connections, spiritual needs and caregiver support all play important roles in overall quality of life. Addressing these needs can help individuals remain more comfortable, engaged and independent.
Families are encouraged to ask healthcare providers about supportive care options soon after a diagnosis of a serious illness rather than waiting until symptoms become overwhelming.
NAVIAN HAWAII
Jody Shiroma, Chief Growth Officer
808-302-4144 | jshiroma@navianhawaii.org
NavianHawaii.org
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