Palliative Care

Palliative Care

Palliative Care focuses on improving the quality of life for people living with a serious illness and is appropriate at any point during an illness – even while receiving curative and life-prolonging treatment.


How Can Palliative Care Help You?

Palliative care helps you fully understand your illness and options for medical care. Our Palliative Care team treats you as a whole person, which includes the body, mind, and spirit.

Many adults living with serious illness experience physical, emotional, psychological and social stressors. Our team helps to reduce these stressors through expert symptom management and a process called advance care planning.

Advance care planning helps to clarify your goals, values and preferences for care. These discussions can lead to the completion of advance directive documents such as a living will, appointment of a healthcare representative, or both.

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What can you expect from Your Palliative Care Team?

The Palliative Care intra-disciplinary team partners with you to explore the meaning and impact of the illness on your daily life and offers a unique understanding of how we can best support you. The team will...

  • Provide an in-depth conversation regarding your health and plan of care
  • Assist you with making complex medical treatment decisions by reviewing and discussing the risks & benefits of available treatments
  • Work with you and your provider to manage distressing symptoms (i.e. pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, etc.)
  • Collaborate and coordinate with the attending provider and members of your care team
  • Support you and your loved ones emotional, cultural and spiritual needs.

Meet our Palliative Care Team:

Elaine Cournean

 

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Medical Group The Hospital of Central Connecticut Palliative Care
New Britain, CT 06052
Jennifer Lardner

 

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Medical Group The Hospital of Central Connecticut Palliative Care
New Britain, CT 06052
Julie Palmer-Hoffman

 

Hospital Medicine

Medical Group The Hospital of Central Connecticut Palliative Care
New Britain, CT 06052
Abby Pringle

 

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Medical Group The Hospital of Central Connecticut Palliative Care
New Britain, CT 06052
Adwoa Larbi

 

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Medical Group The Hospital of Central Connecticut Palliative Care
New Britain, CT 06052
Alison Gorman Georgia Bedell, Administrator

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

New Britain

Alison Gorman Karen Carney, MSW, LCSW

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

New Britain

Our History

The Wolfson Palliative Care Program began at the former New Britain General Hospital in 1998 through a generous donation from Samuel Wolfson, M.D., former chief of anesthesiology. Dr. Wolfson wanted to alleviate the suffering associated with illness and dying.

By 2000, the program was providing inpatient care, family support, transitional care, clinician education, and community outreach. It continues to grow in response to community needs.

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Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The Wolfson Palliative Care Program is committed to improving quality of life by reducing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual distress resulting from serious illness.

Our Vision

  • Palliative care will be an integral component of healthcare in Central Connecticut.
  • The program will be recognized as a state and national leader in palliative care services and education.
  • An interdisciplinary team will support patients and families with care planning and transitions.
  • The program will provide ongoing education for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Share in the Vision

Palliative care focuses on relieving pain and symptoms of serious illness and is appropriate at any stage.

Donations can be made through the hospital's Development Office.

Donate now

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Palliative Care FAQs

When should I consider palliative care?

  • If you have pain or symptoms from serious illness
  • If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, COPD, or heart failure
  • If you need help understanding or coordinating care
  • If you are experiencing emotional, psychological, or spiritual distress
  • If you need help with advance directives

Does palliative care replace other treatment?

No. It works alongside your existing care to reduce suffering and stress.

Is palliative care the same as hospice?

No. Hospice is for end-of-life care; palliative care can begin at any stage of illness.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care.

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Social Work Services

Social workers provide counseling and referrals for patients and families during illness or hospitalization.

Contact Medical Social Worker

Nadine Toce
Phone: 860-224-5900 x6573

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Advance Care Planning

Advance directives include a Living Will and appointment of a healthcare representative.

  • A Living Will states your medical wishes if you cannot communicate.
  • A Healthcare Representative makes decisions on your behalf if needed.

Discuss your preferences with loved ones to avoid uncertainty and stress.

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Health Library & Resources

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Community Outreach

The care team works with local organizations to support patients and families in accessing resources.

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Bereavement Support

The Wolfson Palliative Care Program offers counseling and group support services for bereavement.

Contact Nadine Toce, LCSW: 860-224-5900 x6573

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Palliative Care