Mid Coast Hospital
Two People Hugging And Smiling With A Forest In The Background

Palliative Care

Mid Coast Medical Group–Palliative Care is a unique medical practice providing specialized care and support for people with serious illness. Our compassionate team treats people of all ages  at Mid Coast Hospital and at our outpatient practice. Services include:

  • Pain and symptom management associated with serious illness
  • Emotional and psychological support
  • Stress management
  • Inpatient consultation team
  • Advance care planning
  • Spiritual Care

Commonly Treated Conditions

  • Cancer
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Other serious illness

Contact Us

81 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2100
Brunswick, ME 04011

Phone: 207-373-6125
Fax: 207-373-6126

What is palliative care?

The Mid Coast Palliative and Supportive Care program provides specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family and provide patients with relief from the symptoms and stress. Palliative care is provided by a team of specially-trained doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with the patient’s other providers as an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.

Improves Quality of Life

Palliative care treats people suffering from serious and chronic illnesses including cancer, cardiac disease such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney failure, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and many more. Palliative care focuses on symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and depression. The program also supports patients emotionally and spiritually. Specially trained caregivers help patients cope with personal and family issues, adjust to new physical limitations, and maintain a good quality of life.

Palliative care specialists often meet with patients, their health care team, and their families to discuss the current medical situation and what to expect in the future. They support the patient and the family every step of the way, not only by controlling symptoms, but also by helping to understand treatment options and goals, including:

  • What are the patient’s goals? How does the plan for medical care address these goals?
  • What are the potential risks and benefits of the plan of care?
  • Where is the most desirable place for a patient to receive care?
  • Has the patient written down his or her wishes in a healthcare directive or living will?
  • Who will make decisions about the patient’s care if he or she is unable to communicate?

Palliative versus Hospice Care

Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness at any age and at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. It is not dependent on prognosis. Hospice care is for terminally ill patients who are nearing the end of their lives. People who receive hospice care usually no longer receive curative treatment for their terminal condition(s).