Palliative Care at Torrance Memorial
Torrance Memorial’s Palliative Care program provides specialized medical care focused on improving the quality of life for people living with serious illness. Our team helps patients and families manage symptoms, reduce stress, and better understand their treatment options.
Palliative care can be provided in the hospital, in an outpatient clinic, or at home and may be offered alongside curative or life-prolonging treatment. Our interdisciplinary team works closely with your physicians and specialists to ensure your care plan supports your medical needs, personal goals and overall well-being.
Our palliative care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other specialists who work together to provide comprehensive support for both patients and caregivers.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious or chronic illness. The goal is to improve quality of life by addressing the physical, emotional, social and spiritual challenges that often accompany complex medical conditions.
Palliative care can help patients:
- Understand their diagnosis and treatment options
- Manage symptoms caused by illness or treatment
- Clarify personal healthcare goals
- Coordinate care among multiple medical providers
- Receive emotional and spiritual support
Support also extends to family members and caregivers who may need guidance, education and resources while helping a loved one navigate serious illness.
When Should Someone Consider Palliative Care?
Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and does not require stopping curative treatment. Many patients benefit from meeting with a palliative care specialist earlier in their illness to better manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
You may want to consider palliative care if you or a loved one:
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Experience pain or symptoms that are difficult to control
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Have frequent hospitalizations or emergency visits
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Feel overwhelmed by treatment decisions
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Need help coordinating care among multiple specialists
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Want guidance on advance care planning
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Are experiencing emotional stress related to illness
Early palliative care has been shown to help patients:
Talking with your physician about palliative care early in treatment can help ensure your care plan reflects your personal health goals.
How Palliative Care Helps Patients and Families
Living with a serious illness can create many challenges. Torrance Memorial’s palliative care specialists work with your medical team to help manage symptoms, improve comfort and ensure care aligns with your personal goals.
Symptom Management
Palliative care focuses on relief from symptoms related to serious illness or treatment. Our specialists help manage symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or depression
Care Coordination
Patients with complex medical conditions often see multiple specialists. Our palliative care team works closely with your physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, home health providers and other professionals to coordinate care and ensure your treatment plan supports your quality of life.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Serious illness can affect emotional well-being for both patients and families. Licensed clinical social workers provide counseling and support to help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, trauma and the stress that may accompany illness or treatment.
Advance Care Planning
Understanding your healthcare preferences is an important part of patient-centered care. Our team helps patients explore their treatment goals, complete advance directives and designate a healthcare power of attorney.
Learn more about Advance Care Planning
Support for Caregivers
Caregivers play a critical role in supporting loved ones with serious illness. Torrance Memorial provides resources, education and guidance to help caregivers manage responsibilities, practice self-care and stay emotionally resilient.
Connection to Community Resources
Serious illness can impact many aspects of daily life. Our social workers connect patients and families with community programs, support groups, counseling services and other local resources that can help address practical and social challenges.
Who Can Benefit From Palliative Care?
Palliative care can be helpful for people living with a wide range of serious or chronic health conditions. Care may begin at any stage of illness and can be provided while patients continue receiving treatment for their condition.
Patients who may benefit from palliative care include those living with:
- Cancer
- Heart failure or advanced heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease or end-stage renal disease
- Neurological conditions such as ALS or Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia or other cognitive disorders
- Liver disease
- HIV/AIDS
Palliative care may also benefit patients experiencing difficult symptoms from treatment or illness, as well as families seeking guidance on medical decisions or advance care planning.
Types of Palliative Care Available
Inpatient Palliative Care
Patients who are hospitalized at Torrance Memorial Medical Center can receive inpatient palliative care consultation. Our specialists meet with patients, families and the medical team to develop a care plan that addresses symptoms, treatment decisions and quality-of-life goals.
For an inpatient consultation, speak with your healthcare provider or call 310-257-7200.
Outpatient Palliative Care
Outpatient palliative care visits are available through our clinic at the Hunt Cancer Center. These visits provide ongoing support for patients managing symptoms or navigating complex treatment decisions.
Home-Based Palliative Care
Some patients may benefit from receiving palliative care services in the comfort of their home. With a physician referral, our team can help coordinate home-based care through partnerships with home health providers and community services.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call 310-750-3368.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative Care
Is palliative care the same as hospice?
No. Hospice care typically focuses on comfort and support near the end of life when curative treatment is no longer pursued. Palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and may be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or control disease.
Can I receive palliative care while still receiving treatment?
Yes. Palliative care works alongside your current medical treatment plan. Many patients receive palliative care while continuing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dialysis, surgery or other treatments.
How do I know if palliative care is right for me or my loved one?
You may benefit from palliative care if you are experiencing difficult symptoms, feeling overwhelmed by medical decisions, or seeking additional support while managing a serious illness. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether a palliative care consultation may be helpful.
Do I have to change my doctor?
No. Palliative care specialists work collaboratively with your existing healthcare team. Your primary doctor and specialists remain actively involved in your care.
Will my insurance cover palliative care?
Most health insurance plans cover palliative care services. If you have questions about your coverage, contact your insurance provider or call our office at 310-784-4880.
How can I schedule a palliative care consultation?
Speak with your physician about a referral or call 310-750-3368 to schedule a consultation with one of our palliative care specialists.
