Our Program
What we do.
Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) is specialized medical care for adults living with serious illness. The goal of our care is to improve quality of life for our patients and their family members and caregivers. PASCON services are confidential and free for the Nantucket community.
PASCON services are based on your needs. Our team of specialists collaborates with your other health care providers to provide an extra layer of support throughout your illness. We welcome you and your family members/caregivers to receive support at any stage of the serious illness and while receiving curative treatment.
We can help you.
PASCON may be right for you if you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms due to a serious illness and/or are facing difficult health care decisions. Our Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Specialist provide assistance facilitating health care discussions with you and your family and caregivers about your important medical goals.
Palliative services may include care for those living with cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson's or other advanced illnesses.
What you can expect.
You can expect relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. We aim to support you through medical treatments, better understand your condition and your choices for medical care.
PASCON meets you where you feel most comfortable: at home, our office, in the hospital, at Our Island Home, or at a congregate living facility or senior housing community.
Meet Our Team
Deb Dolan CRNP, ACHPN
Program Director & Nurse Practitioner
Bonnie Fitz-Gibbon PH.D, LMHC
Palliative Care Counselor
Libby Tracy, RN, MSN
Palliative Care Nurse Specialist
Father Max Wolf
Chaplain
Betsey Minihan
Palliative Care Office Supervisor
“During my down times, when I wasn’t working and could barely take care of myself, they were there, they were the backbone. Libby’s constant calls to check on me…and it’s a chain, Betsey, Deb, they were my greatest support….I’m so grateful.”
- Norma
Support Groups
All groups are open to the public and participation is confidential. Call (508) 825-8325 for dates and times.
PASCON support groups serve to connect those who are learning to cope with experiences/challenges related to serious illness in a confidential, welcoming and supportive group setting that is guided by a member of our care team. Participants report forming important connections, decreasing stress, and learning relevant strategies to address challenges. Please consider adding your voice to a PASCON Support group.
The following groups are available for patients, caregivers, and families throughout the continuum of illness. You are welcome to attend in person or virtually. Free transportation is available upon request.
Coping with Cancer – support for anyone at any stage of their cancer journey, as well as for family and friends. Groups are offered in both English and Spanish.
Caregivers Support – for those caring for persons with serious illness
Bereavement Group – for adults suffering grief and loss
Interpreter services are available.
“The Coping with Cancer support group has been anchoring and like a great big warm hug; a safe place to share concerns and fears, elicit advice and to get support and encouragement.”
– Karyn
Volunteer Support
Patients enrolled in the PASCON program can request visits from a volunteer. Our specially trained volunteers are here to brighten your days and ease the journey for you and your family. Visits often take place in the comfort of your home and can include sharing conversation, enjoying music, playing a game of cards, or working on a craft together. Each volunteer is carefully matched to your interests and needs, so the time you spend together feels natural, supportive, and meaningful.
Advance Care Planning
In the advanced stages of a serious illness, PASCON will help you understand your options and advocate to ensure you are having a say in your care. Getting healthcare often involves choices that impact your life and wellbeing in different ways. Our team can facilitate conversation(s) with you and your family, trusted loved ones and medical providers to discuss your goals, values and wishes for future medical care.
You are entitled to receive information about your medical condition, including prognosis and care options. This information helps you and/or your advocates make informed healthcare choices that reflect your identified goals, values, wishes and needs. The PASCON team is trained to assist in completing advanced care planning documents such as the Health Care Proxy, a Living Will and a Massachusetts Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form.
