A SERIOUS ILLNESS DESERVES
SERIOUS SUPPORT
The impact of a serious illness goes well beyond the physical. It’s overwhelming to manage the life changes. The medical details. The crucial decisions.
But you don’t need to face this challenge alone. Team Blue Palliative Care is part of the plan you have, with experts who connect you to the specialized care you need. They'll work to understand your goals and match your treatment options to what matters most to you.
To learn more, talk to your Team Blue Care Manager at 1-800-392-0098, Mon. to Thu. 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM ET and
Fri. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM ET.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
It’s specialized care to help people who are living with a serious illness live well— by providing relief from the stress and symptoms they often experience.
With a goal of improving quality of life for them and their families, it can be helpful at any time during a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
THE BENEFITS ARE CLEAR
Studies show that living well with serious illness is more likely for those who choose palliative care, because it helps them:
Cope with side effects from treatment
Manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea
Understand what to expect and feel more prepared
Make informed choices by learning treatment pros and cons
Talk more openly about their illness and what’s important
LIVING LIFE ON YOUR TERMS
Studies also find that patients who use palliative care alongside their treatments are likely to experience:
- Better quality of life
- Less physical discomfort
- Better overall mood
Sharing what matters most, so those close to you can speak up on your behalf, is also important. And we can help.
CARE THAT GOES WHERE YOU GO
Palliative services are usually delivered by a team of doctors, nurses, chaplains, and social workers. They can be delivered wherever you need or want them:
- In your home
- In many clinics and doctors offices
- In most hospitals
- In many nursing homes
YOU’RE NEVER ALONE WITH THIS TEAM ON YOUR SIDE
Connecting you with palliative care starts with Team Blue. They’ll work with your doctors to provide you with an extra layer of support along the way.
With their backgrounds as registered nurses, doctors, and behavioral health specialists, Team Blue brings a deep understanding of how to coordinate the care you need.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP, WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE REST
Call Team Blue, and mention Serious Illness Care or Palliative Care — we’re here to listen and help.
We’ll find the right resources
We’ll help you understand all your options, like palliative care, home-based care and supports, and more.
We’ll coordinate your care
We’ll handle the seamless coordination of your services, resources, and follow-up, so you can focus on you and those who matter most to you.
To learn more, call 1-800-392-0098 Mon. to Thu. 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM ET and Fri. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM ET.
MORE SUPPORT
The Center to Advance Palliative Care has a website to help you understand more about the benefits of palliative care.
Children in Massachusetts facing serious illnesses may be eligible for our state’s Pediatric Palliative Care Network of Services. Learn more or call 1-800-882-1435.
Courageous Parents Network can provide support and resources specifically for parents whose children are confronting serious pediatric illness.