Comfort Care

Comfort care is for patients who are nearing the end of life, and focuses on providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support. Most patients stay in a private hospital room that has fold-out furniture and space for loved ones who wish to remain with them.

• Care focuses on promoting comfort by treating symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fever, and anxiety.
• Burdensome treatments that are not needed for comfort, such as frequent blood draws, are simplified or discontinued. The care plan is reviewed with the patient and family.
• Families are encouraged to bring cherished items, such as blankets, photos, and memorabilia to the patient’s room.
• Spiritual care counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide support, connect patients and families to their own faith communities, and provide resources for bereavement support. They can be reached at 1-415-925-7147.

The palliative care nurse and social worker are available to aid patients and their families at 1-415-925-7560, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you have any questions or concerns about a patient’s comfort, please speak to the nurse.