Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care
About us
Our team has an important mission: to provide the very best palliative care to older adults and those with advanced illness—and to be a reliable care partner for family members. Expert geriatricians and palliative medicine physicians work together to minimize illness as much as possible, reduce preventable hospitalizations and readmissions, and coordinate care for patients with complex illnesses.
Beyond this exceptional medical care, we educate and provide resources for patients and families and conduct research that promotes better care and quality of life for all.
Palliative services
Palliative care physicians focus on patients who have advanced or life-threatening illnesses with the goal of controlling symptoms and providing relief from pain and suffering.
Our multidisciplinary approach includes:
- Social work
- Chaplaincy
- Other medical specialties
Palliative care can be provided for patients undergoing aggressive medical treatment or when disease-modifying interventions are no longer appropriate.
Geriatric services
Experienced geriatricians are here to work with patients, families and primary care physicians to complete a comprehensive assessment, encourage discussions on goals of care and provide a unified medical voice through transitions of care—all while meeting the often complex health needs of older adults.
Geriatric care is about promoting wellness, improving daily functioning, and supporting patients through the physical and cognitive changes that occur with aging. This includes managing their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs—as well as those of their loved ones.
Find an outpatient geriatrics and palliative care provider in your area.
Our health system is recognized by the Institute for Health Care Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System.
Our emergency rooms are accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians to provide geriatric emergency medicine.
We've been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for high performance in geriatric care.
Frequently asked questions
Does palliative care mean that nothing more can be done for me?
Palliative care is a comprehensive way of treating a patient’s needs that can include helping a patient choose to continue curative care or not. The Division of Palliative Care at Lenox Hill Hospital can help care for a patient with physical symptoms caused by a disease. The clinical staff will work with a patient’s family to make important health care decisions and provide emotional support.
Is palliative care the same thing as hospice?
No, palliative care in the hospital is not the same as hospice. Hospice is a special form of palliative care that is focused on the last several months of a patient's life. Palliative care can be introduced early in the care of a patient’s illness, long before the end of life and it can be available at the same time as curative treatments.
When is the right time to start receiving palliative care?
It is always worthwhile to contact a program that provides palliative care when patients have a serious illness. Palliative care can be introduced early in the care of your illness and provided at the same time as curative treatments. Research has shown that palliative care starting early in disease treatment can improve a patient’s quality of life, reduce depression and extend life.
What if I don’t need to talk with anyone?
No matter how strong a patient has been throughout his or her life, dealing with a serious illness puts severe strain on the mind, body and spirit. Having support during this time is essential to helping a patient become as physically and emotionally comfortable as possible. Whether that support is present in family and other loved ones, our trained professionals are here to talk.
Our providers
Lizette Joan Smith, MD
Director - Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, Northern Westchester Hospital
- Eugene Cauvin, DNP
- Kathleen Kenna, NP
