PALLIATIVE CARE
Palliative Care of Western Kentucky
is beneficial to anyone suffering from symptoms resulting from a chronic illness.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
If you’re unsure whether your loved one is ready for Palliative Care, ask yourself some of the following questions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, please give us a call at 270.926.7565
- Is this person often fatigued?
- Does this person appear to be weaker than usual?
- Does this person have difficulty sleeping?
- Does this person appear to be short of breath / winded?
- Does this person fall or lose balance more often?
- Has this person gone to the hospital more than twice in the past six months?
- Has this person had frequent infections?
- Has this person been diagnosed with a terminal illness?
- Has this person been suffering from a long-term illness that is heart/lung related, requiring daily interventions?
WHO IS APPROPRIATE
Palliative Care is beneficial to anyone suffering from pain and symptoms resulting from a chronic illness. A diagnosis may include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Lung Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
PROVIDED SERVICES
HPC - Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky offers the following services for its Palliative patients:
- In-home APRN visits. Frequency is dependent on individuals’ needs
- 24-hour phone access to a nurse
- Assistance in finding community resources
- Assistance with advanced directives and goals of care conversations
- Education on your disease progression and medications
- Support personal healthcare goals
MEET OUR NURSE PRACTITIONER
Olivia Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Olivia Smith began her nursing career in critical care before joining the Heartford House as a Registered Nurse in February 2017. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, where she continues to care for individuals and families through the palliative and hospice programs. Olivia feels honored to walk alongside patients during life’s most challenging and sacred moments, always striving to uphold each person’s dignity and provide compassionate care.
She understands that family members and caregivers are just as important as the patients themselves and prides herself on ensuring they feel supported, heard, and cared for throughout the journey.
Olivia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisville and her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Originally from Whitesville, KY, Olivia has spent most of her life in Owensboro. She is a devoted wife and mother to five boys. In her free time, she cherishes being with her family and finds joy in the simple blessings of everyday life.
Do you still have questions?
Please reach out to us at 270.926.7565, we’re happy to answer your questions.
