At The Heritage of Green Hills, a premier senior living community in Shillington, Pa., residents enjoy more than a vibrant lifestyle — they also benefit from a forward-thinking approach to health and wellness that includes care through its unique Collaborative Outpatient Management for Palliative and Aging Support Services (COMPASS) program, which is provided in partnership with Seniority Healthcare.
Often misunderstood or confused with hospice, palliative care plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with chronic illnesses — helping them stay healthier, more comfortable, and more in control of their care journey.
“Palliative care is about living well while managing health challenges,” explains Jacquelyn Kirby, MSN, RN, Seniority Healthcare’s nurse dedicated to managing care for eligible residents at The Heritage. “It’s not about giving up treatment or care — it’s about adding the right kind of support to improve quality of life.”
How Palliative Care and Hospice Care Differ
Palliative care is specialized, collaborative support for individuals with serious or chronic conditions like heart failure, COPD, diabetes, or dementia. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and focuses on managing symptoms, improving comfort, and ensuring continuity of care.
By contrast, hospice care is specifically for individuals in the final months of life who have chosen to stop curative treatment. While both approaches prioritize comfort, hospice is end-of-life care; palliative care can begin earlier and continue for years.
“With palliative care, residents can still pursue any treatments they choose,” says Kirby. “We’re there to help them navigate the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, interpret test results, manage medications, and keep them out of the hospital whenever possible.”
How COMPASS Works at The Heritage
Through the COMPASS program, eligible residents — people living in the independent living neighborhood or the Care Center with two or more chronic conditions — receive:
- Twice-monthly in-person clinical assessments
- Monthly telehealth visits with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant
- Ongoing care coordination with their primary care provider
- Support for families, including regular updates and guidance
- Early identification of changes in health that may require additional care
“We serve as an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears,” Kirby says. “I work closely with Heritage staff and families to catch issues early, prevent complications, and enhance comfort. We’re often able to resolve concerns before they become crises.”
Every Physician Assistant (PA) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the COMPASS program has a supervising physician who sees each patient at least once a year via telemedicine or more often if necessary.
Supporting the Whole Person
Kirby, who has more than 20 years of nursing experience and a background in holistic gerontology, describes her role as “being the glue” in a fragmented system.
“I’m the nurse who can call the doctor’s office to follow up on lab results, help a resident reduce unnecessary medications, or simply provide reassurance to a concerned family member,” she says. “And if we do start to see signs of end-of-life changes, I can help families understand their options and, if appropriate, discuss transitioning to hospice.”
The palliative care team at The Heritage complements the community’s whole-person wellness model by addressing not just physical symptoms, but also emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The result is a richer, more connected care experience that puts residents and their families at the center.
“The care the residents already receive at The Heritage is outstanding,” says Kirby. “To be able to add an extra layer of support—one that’s proactive, holistic, and truly person-centered—is a gift. I’m proud to be part of something so meaningful.”
Learn More
To explore how The Heritage of Green Hills supports residents’ health, comfort, and quality of life through programs like COMPASS, visit https://heritageofgreenhills.com or schedule a personalized tour at https://heritageofgreenhills.com/contact-us.