Palliative care, or sometimes referred to as supportive care and comfort care, is dedicated to making patients with cancer live an easier life and improve their quality of life. Palliative care focuses on cancer prevention and treatment, as well as managing the psychological, physical, social and spiritual side effects that result from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The goal of Supportive and Palliative Care, led by Dr. André Bonnecaze, is to help patients attain the highest quality of life and focuses on pain relief, other symptoms, and stresses of cancer or other serious illness. It also supports the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of patients and their families with life-limiting or life-altering illnesses. Our program includes: outpatient palliative care, inpatient palliative care and hospice services.
Key Aspects Of Supportive And Palliative Care
Both disease-related, and treatment-related.
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Agitation and/or confusion
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Anorexia or loss of appetite
- Malnutrition or loss of weight
- Emotional support
- Advocacy
- Care coordination
- Community resources
- Creating an advance directive such as a health care proxy, living will, LaPOST forms and working through important medical decisions
- Clarify treatment goals
Meet the Doctor
Andre’ A. Bonnecaze, M.D.
Dr. Andre’ Bonnecaze is a hospice and palliative care physician in Baton Rouge. He earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health and Science Center in New Orleans. He performed both his internship and residency at Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Bonnecaze is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
For more information about Palliative Care Services, please call (225) 215-0220Â or email palliativecare@marybird.com.