Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. The goal is to improve your quality of life.

To do this, the palliative care team will:

• Relieve your symptoms and distress

• Help you better understand your disease and diagnosis

• Help clarify your treatment goals and options

• Understand and support your ability to cope with your illness

• Assist you with making medical decision

• Coordinate with your other doctors

Care of the dying patient (Terminal Care) is an important part of palliative care however palliative care is not terminal care alone. It starts as supportive care when the diagnosis of a life threatening illness is made, continues as terminal care if the illness progresses and provides bereavement support for the family after the death of the patient.

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage, and you can have it along with curative treatment. The goal is to improve your quality of life.

Palliative care is often provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists. The team works together to create a care plan that meets the individual needs of the patient and their family. Here are a few specific examples of things palliative care might include:

• Improve the quality of life for patients, their caregivers, and loved ones.

• Manage and provide relief from pain and other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

• Provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their family.

• Help the patient understand and make informed decisions about their care.

• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers and help the patient, their loved ones, and caregivers navigate the healthcare system.

• Help the patient and their family cope with the physical, emotional, and social challenges of serious illness.

Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness, from diagnosis to the end of life. It can be provided alongside other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Here are some specific examples of when palliative care might be appropriate:

• Serious Illness or Terminal Diagnosis. Palliative care is often appropriate when a patient is diagnosed with a serious illness or receives a terminal prognosis. It provides comfort and support by managing symptoms, such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Palliative care professionals work collaboratively with the patient’s primary medical team to ensure the best possible symptom control.

• Complex or Chronic Conditions. Palliative care is beneficial for patients with complex or chronic conditions that significantly impact their quality of life. Diseases like cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can benefit from the integrative care provided by palliative care specialists.

• Disease Progression or Treatment Side Effects. Palliative care becomes appropriate when a patient’s illness progresses, and treatment options are limited or ineffective. It focuses on helping patients manage the physical and emotional burden of their illness, addressing treatment side effects, and assisting in decision-making processes.

• Intensive Care and Hospitalizations. Palliative care is often appropriate during hospitalizations and in intensive care settings. It provides essential support to patients and families, helping them navigate complex medical procedures and difficult treatment choices. Palliative care professionals work closely with the medical team to ensure patient comfort and dignity during hospital stays.