Image: kchospice.org
As the principal staff person to a five campus community college system, Kathy Walter-Mack attends to various functions in support of the chancellor’s objectives for the schools. Outside of her professional work, Kathy Walter-Mack pursues community work which has included such activities as volunteering to support Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KHPC).
KHPC, a nonprofit, was founded in 1980 as the result of a meeting among hospital administrators and several physicians regarding Kansas City’s need for enhanced end-of-life-care. Today, KHPC serves Kansas City’s 10 counties with an award-winning staff and over 400 dedicated volunteers.
One of KHPC’s programs is Supportive or Palliative Care. Individuals who are being treated for serious illnesses may require extra support at home. Studies have revealed that palliative care or supportive care at home can help patients avoid visits to the emergency room and lessen time in the hospital.
Depending on the type of situation, palliative home care services range from one consultation to ongoing, regular visits. The services include making patients more comfortable through some of the following means: assistance with pain control, tiredness, shortness of breath and other symptoms; development of strategies for coping with uncertainty through a 24/7 questions and concerns lifeline; dedication to keeping patient independence through in-home services; and education of family members to help them understand how best to care for a patient.
KHPC also provides help in dealing with anxiety and fear through spiritual and emotional support to patients and family members. The service may also include handling the details of a patient’s case by coordinating care with the patient’s doctor and arranging for such needs as medical equipment.
In accordance with the program, an assigned registered nurse will coordinate the needed care. The majority of private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare pay for palliative care.
Kathy Walter-Mack 