Connections+

What is Connections Plus?
Connections Plus is a pre-hospice Palliative Care program for people living with serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from distressing symptoms and stress  - whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the individual and the family. 

Specialty Care
Connections Plus is provided by a team of Palliative Care specialists who work together with the person’s current healthcare providers to add an extra layer of support focused on comfort. 

Individualized Care Continuum:
Services are tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. Specially trained counselors, nurses, volunteers and our Medical Director work with you, your family and your physicians to provide needed support.

​​Services may include:
  • Access to 24/7 nurse consultations to help you manage any symptoms and avoid unnecessary hospital stays.
  • Counseling for depression and/or anxiety often associated with a serious   illness. 
  • Assistance in helping you clarify and communicate your wants and needs. 
  • Support for yourself and family members and/or caregivers as you adjust to living with your illness.
  • Consultation with a physician who specializes in Palliative Care.
  • Aid in planning for your future needs and assuring you have your ‘ducks in a row’.
  • Practical help, as needed, from our volunteers.
  • Symptom Management
  • Coordination of care
  • Advance Care Planning​

​When is the right time to ask for help or gather information?
Turning to RAH is not giving up, it’s about getting help. Most of our patients and families say that they wish they had called us sooner; that we honored their dignity and enhanced their quality of life. 

These discussions can be tough to have. Our staff members have the training and expertise to guide you through the entire information-gathering and decision-making process. 

Seeking support is one of the most life-affirming things you can do. Now is the best time to learn more about our Connections Plus program and ask questions about what to expect.

Paying for Connections Plus
As a non-profit organization, we ensure that all those in our community who need our help receive it. Some of our services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance (normal co-pays may apply). We have sliding scales and can access our Good Neighbor Fund to help cover services. Regardless of your ability to pay, if you qualify for our services, we will care for you. ​

​​Why Might I Contact Connections Plus?
Coping with a life-limiting illness can be challenging, confusing and exhausting.  We can help by providing practical and emotional assistance, as well as education regarding the many decisions you and your family face.  

There is no reason to walk this road alone.  Let Connections Plus help.

​Connections Plus may be Right for You if you have one or more of the following:
  • You are in a late stage of illness with a  continued decline in comfort and health.
  • You are likely to use the hospital, Emergency Department, or other service because of your symptoms.
  • You have or are receiving curative medical interventions and they are no longer working to manage your symptoms.
  • You are feeling worried or sad about your condition and the situation it is creating.
  • You and your family/loved ones would like help planning for the care you’ll need down the road. 
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Thank you for considering the helping hands of the RAH Connections Plus program.
We are part of our community’s healthcare system. We provide knowledge, reassurance and support while honoring people’s wishes as they approach an unknown part of life. 

During this time, you, your family, and friends are going to need exceptional support. We are dedicated to providing the needed care, empathy and education.

To refer a patient or request a consult: 
Contact us at (540) 463-1848 if you have any questions. We can help you determine if Connections+ is the right program for you or your family member.