Palliative Care

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical support tailored to individuals facing serious illnesses. Rather than focusing solely on curing the illness, palliative care emphasizes relieving symptoms and reducing associated stress, with the ultimate goal of enhancing quality of life for both patients and their families.

Palliative care teams provide expertise in addressing a wide range of serious illnesses, including cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and more. Their primary objective is to ease suffering while fostering the best possible quality of life for patients and their loved ones.

Common symptoms addressed through palliative care include:

• Pain

• Depression

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty sleeping

• Anxiety

By addressing both physical and emotional challenges, palliative care empowers individuals to navigate daily life with renewed strength and resilience.

Palliative care teams work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare providers, offering more than just symptom management. They provide emotional support, help coordinate care, and facilitate open communication to ensure everyone is informed and comfortable with the care plan. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive holistic care tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

The timing for starting palliative care varies for each person. Many choose to begin upon receiving a serious diagnosis, recognizing the benefits it offers in planning and preparing for the journey ahead. Discussing options with healthcare providers can help determine if palliative care is the right choice for your circumstances.