The Transitions and Life Choices program provides palliative care through an interdisciplinary, inpatient consult team. The mission of Transitions and Life Choices (TLC), Fairview’s palliative care program, is to reduce suffering associated with serious or life threatening illness for patients and their families.
Palliative care aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients with advanced illness and their families. Palliative care services are provided by a team of caregivers that includes physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains. It is offered simultaneously with all other appropriate medical treatments. Hospice care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life, whereas palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a serious illness.
Transitions and Life Choices (TLC) is the name of Fairview Health Services’ palliative care program. The goals of the program are to deliver state of the art palliative care through specialized interdisciplinary teams while improving the quality of care for patients and their families throughout Fairview. The TLC staff work with the patient’s physician and other members of the health care team to help relieve physical, spiritual and emotional suffering while making the most of life. The care is centered on the unique needs of each patient. It seeks to promote the highest quality of life and comfort while honoring the traditions and beliefs of the patient and family.
Patients cared for by palliative care experts can expect:
Relief of pain & other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath & anxiety
Attention to all sources of distress that impact healing, including social & spiritual issues
Clear communication among the patient, their family & the health care team
Smooth transitions between care settings
Well-informed decisions about all aspects of care
A plan for treatment that is consistent with patient goals and values
