A new grant from the Stupski Foundation enables AHS to provide a better continuum of care for patients with serious illnesses
Gladys Melara had traveled from Honduras to the Bay Area to visit family in 2021 when her stomach swelled up. She lost her appetite and couldn’t urinate.
She was soon diagnosed with ovarian cancer and, with the help of Alameda Health System’s (AHS) palliative care providers, was admitted to Fairmont Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility. In addition, she received chemotherapy and surgery to treat her cancer.
In order to continue to see her palliative care providers, Melara had to be transported by ambulance from Fairmont Rehabilitation and Wellness to the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus. But that changed in October, when Palliative Care Services began expanding to AHS’ skilled nursing facilities, including Fairmont.
“Integrating palliative care into our skilled nursing facilities not only eliminates the transportation burden for patients, but it also helps us truly tailor care to the patient’s goals,” said Dr. Heather A. Harris, associate chief of the Palliative Care Division and director of community-based serious illness care at AHS. “The expansion of Palliative Care Services allows us to support more patients and families throughout the AHS health system.”
Palliative care is a model of care that is designed to support patients who are struggling with serious illness. Palliative care providers work as an interdisciplinary team and take a holistic approach to a patient’s needs. They identify what the patient’s goals are, incorporate their family into communications and decisions about care, provide patients with emotional and spiritual support, and help them manage the specific stress that comes with a serious illness.
“Patients in our skilled nursing facilities are in a vulnerable position. It’s easy for them to feel like they’ve lost control or agency over their care. Palliative care providers are specially trained to help patients align their care to address their unique needs,” said Dr. Philip Sossenheimer, director of Post-Acute Palliative Care Services for AHS.
AHS is expanding its Palliative Care Services thanks to a $3 million grant from the Stupski Foundation. AHS was one of only eight health systems in the Bay Area to receive ongoing funding from the Stupski Foundation, and is using it to expand Palliative Care Services at the skilled nursing facilities at Fairmont, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and the Alameda Hospital Sub Acute Care unit.
AHS patient Larry Sullivan was diagnosed with lung cancer and given six months to live. His doctor prescribed him the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, which has helped him shrink his tumor from 11 centimeters to 8.7 centimeters, and led to marked improvement. His palliative care providers have been supporting him along the way, even connecting him with Meals on Wheels to make getting food easier.
“They don’t just treat you like a patient,” Sullivan said. “They are great people, and that’s the best compliment I can give to anyone. They have great energy, good vibrational things about them. Some of them are highly trained doctors and nurses, but they are also very empathetic and caring.”
Studies show that palliative care improves patients’ quality of life. Care is improved, patients are happier, and providers are less likely to experience burnout when palliative care is available to patients.
Palliative care has been a blessing for Derrick Johnson, whose mom has struggled with Alzheimer’s dementia for years. He went into his first meeting with AHS’ palliative care team skeptical, and has since found their support invaluable.
“If it’s a home visit, they are coming to your house. If it’s spiritual, you can talk to someone who knows more about God. They prepare you for what’s coming,” Johnson said.
One of the things he appreciates about the palliative care team is that they helped him not only care for his mom, but also to consider himself as her primary caregiver.
“If I’m raggedy, then my mama’s raggedy. They teach you how to take care of yourself so you can take care of somebody else,” he said. “They are heaven-sent when it comes to helping folks with your aging parent. Palliative care was a true blessing for me and my mom.”
The health care providers and residents at AHS’ skilled nursing facilities seem eager for the additional layer of care. After only a few days at Fairmont Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility, Harris and Sossenheimer said the patient referrals grew from six to 36. The majority of these new patients have never received palliative care before, either at AHS or elsewhere.
“We’ve identified a real need in our community, and I’m so grateful for the Stupski Foundation for supporting this critical care for patients and families who need it most,” Harris said. “We’re already making a difference, and we are excited to see the program continue to expand and grow.”