Care for persons with life-threatening illness

St. Peter’s Hospital is dedicated to preserving and enhancing, when possible, the quality of life for its patients and families. The dignity and respect of patients and their loved ones are of vital concern. With that in mind, we are committed to creating an environment that maximizes the optimal level of emotional, psychological and spiritual healing at every stage of life.

In situations where patients (and their family) are confronting serious and life-threatening illnesses, a member of the inpatient, out-patient, or palliative care teams are available to meet with them and their loved ones, to sort out the needs and issues, and ensure they are connected to programs and services that best meet their needs.

Why Choose St. Peter’s?

A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual care provider’s pharmacists, and physical therapy and nutritional specialists provide patients the medical care they need and frequently reassess their needs to ensure that the most comprehensive, skilled and sensitive care is provided. Our skilled clinicians are committed to working with patients to relieve pain and suffering and to promote empowerment. Patient-focused care guides symptom management and planning.   The Transitions and Life Choices (TLC) palliative care team can assist with discussion of advance care planning and can provide experienced listening presence  during medical decision-making discussions and planning for dignity and comfort near life’s end.

St. Peter’s has an experienced Hospice team for care in the home, skilled nursing facility or the hospital if needed. Trained Hospice nurses and social workers are available for consultation with patients and families so that all the Hospice benefits can be explained before decisions are made about any plans of treatment. Because of the generous support from St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, any patient in need of Hospice services will receive all necessary care and support, regardless of reimbursement sources. Hospice also provides bereavement follow-up and grief support groups throughout the year.

Patients nearing the end of their life may experience fear, isolation, and anxiety. Our skilled teams can provide assistance with any concerns associated with symptoms or treatment plans and provide resources, support and listening. 

Some of the helpful resources we use are listed below as pdf documents. You will need Adobe Reader to view them. If you do not already have it, you can find it HERE. Each will open in their own window.

• TLC Brochure - pdf
• CPR Information Sheet - pdf
• Comfort One Information Sheet - pdf
• Participating in Decisions About Medical Treatments in Advanced or Serious Illness: Pt. and Family Education - pdf
• Beyond Chicken Soup: hydration and nutrition at end of life - pdf
• Hospice Brochure - pdf
• Cancer Pain Management - pdf
• Myths and Facts about Pain Management - pdf
• Pain Management: the basics (Under Development)
• Thinking through feeding tube choices (Under Development)
• Managing Constipation: an important component of comfort (Under Development)
• Grief and Bereavement: what’s important to know (Under Development)
• When People Die - pdf
• Does your family and doctor know your Five Wishes? - pdf
• Five Wishes - St. Peter's Hospital web page

Contact Information:
TLC/Palliative Care: Jan Jahner (406) 447-2533 or Jim Sheldon (406) 447-2409
Hospice of St. Peter’s: Sheila Cotter at (406) 444-2244