THE DANNY SKLAR PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM

What is the Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program?

The Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program offers quality care and nurturing support to relieve the distress that often accompanies advanced illness. Our interdisciplinary team will make an assessment and coordinate services based on the individual and family's needs.

Who is Appropriate for Palliative Care?

• patients with a life limiting illness who are pursuing curative treatment;
• patients with a life threatening illness who are experiencing difficult symptom management, such as pain; and
• patients experiencing healthcare crises that require frequent visits to physicians and hospital emergency rooms.

Referral Process

Anyone may recommend a patient/family for Palliative Care by calling The Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program office at 404.352.4308.

An admission coordinator is available to speak with you Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. If Palliative Care is not the right answer to meet your needs, this coordinator will direct you to an agency appropriate for additional assistance.

How it Works

• a patient or his/her family can call the Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program for an information visit or request admission.
• a nurse will conduct an assessment in the comfort of the patient’s home to determine eligibility
• when it is determined that the patient meets our program guidelines, contact will be established between the patient’s attending physician and palliative care staff
• visits with our nurse, social worker, volunteers and/or chaplain will be arranged according to a mutually agreed upon care plan
• additional telephone support is also available

The frequency of these support services will vary according to the patient and family’s individual needs.

The Danny Sklar Palliative Care Team Consists of:

• the patient's attending physician who remains responsible for medical decisions;
• the Danny Sklar Medical Director, who offers medical consultation for pain and symptom control;
• registered nurses who coordinate the care provided by the palliative care team;
• social workers who provide emotional and family support including counseling, financial guidance and access to community resources;
• compassionate trained volunteers who provide companionship, practical assistance and respite to caregivers; and
• the Danny Sklar Chaplain, who is available to provide spiritual support to the patient and family.

What is the Philosophy of the Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program?

• approaches care that is foremost patient-centered and addresses patient needs within the context of family and community;
• identifies and honors the preferences of the patient and family through careful attention to their values, goals, and priorities, as well as their cultural and spiritual perspectives;
• encourages advanced care planning, including advance directives, through ongoing dialogue among providers, patient and family;
• incorporates interagency collaboration and access to community resources; and
• aims to decrease the length of hospital stays and eliminate unnecessary emergency room visits.

Coordinated Care and In-Home Support

The Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patient and family.

Our team of healthcare professionals and trained volunteers offers a comprehensive array of services:

• consultation on symptom management in collaboration with the patient's primary care physician;
• emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family throughout the course of the illness; and
• referral and coordination of community services.

Services are provided where you live... in your home, apartment, assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility.

The Danny Sklar Program does not provide 24 hour care, and our services are not reimbursed by Medicare/Medcaid or private health insurance. Palliative Care does not pay for medications or medical equipment.

The Danny Sklar Program is fully funded by gifts and endowments from individuals and organizations: The Danny Sklar Endowment; A Hand Up; A Charitable Fund; The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and private donations.

Each tax-deductible gift is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

Differences Between the Danny Sklar Program and Weinstein Hospice