Compassionate palliative and hospice care at Kaweah Health

When you or a loved one needs palliative care or hospice services, put your trust in Kaweah Health. While both forms of care support people with serious illnesses, they have different goals.

Palliative medicine is a specialty that focuses on providing physical, psychological, and spiritual support for patients and their families. Kaweah Health’s team provides palliative care to patients of any age and at any stage of illness, alongside other treatments that support their health and comfort.

For patients nearing the end of their lives, hospice care is the appropriate plan of care. Hospice is a subspecialty of palliative medicine that addresses the comfort and needs of patients with a life expectancy of six months.

Dignity and care

Kaweah Health Hospice has served Tulare and Kings counties for more than 35 years. Hospice doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers work together to address each patient's goals, priorities and needs. 

Hospice patients can also receive inpatient care at the Kaweah Health Ruth Wood Open Arms House. Located in Visalia, this six-bed residence provides a peaceful home setting with around-the-clock care. Loved ones can gather in the meditation garden and other warm and inviting spaces in the home as they reflect and comfort one another.

Peds Pal Program

Kaweah Health also offers concurrent care. This pediatric palliative care program, called the Peds Pal Program, allows children under age 21 with life-limiting illnesses or conditions to continue to get curative treatment and hospitalization while also receiving the specialized support of a hospice team.

Concurrent care focuses on:

• Enhancing the child’s quality of life
• Optimizing functional status
• Controlling distressing symptoms
• Providing emotional and spiritual support to the patient and caregiver

Grief support services

Kaweah Health Hospice also cares for the family members who have experienced loss. Bereavement support groups and one-on-one grief counseling are available for spouses and children. Also available:

• Children Undergoing Bereavement Support (C.U.B.S.). Upcoming events will be held January 20, January 27, February 3, and February 10.
• “Grief and The Holidays,” a workshop for those going through grief during festive times
• Memorial events for family, friends, and staff affected by loss
• “Good Grief Camp,” an annual fall event using games, art, and crafts to provide a friendly atmosphere where children can find support and learn coping skills

For information on upcoming bereavement support groups or to self-refer to Kaweah Health Hospice, visit our website or call (559) 733-0642.