Palliative care

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Who Benefits from Palliative Care

This care approach is beneficial for patients at any stage of a serious illness, whether it’s chronic, life-threatening, or life-limiting. It is not limited to end-of-life care and can be provided alongside curative treatments.

What Palliative Care Includes

• Symptom Management: Alleviating symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Addressing psychological, social, and spiritual issues that can arise with serious illness.
• Care Coordination: Assisting with navigating the healthcare system and facilitating communication among various healthcare providers.
• Family Support: Offering support and guidance to family members and caregivers, including respite care and counseling.

How Palliative Care Differs from Hospice

While both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort, palliative care can begin at diagnosis, and at the same time as treatment. Hospice care, on the other hand, is usually reserved for when treatment of the illness is no longer the focus.

Accessing Palliative Care

Palliative care services can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, at home, or in specialized facilities. It involves a team-based approach that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists.