Stanford Palliative Care Center of Excellence

Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine

What is Palliative Care?

The term "Palliative Care" (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) comes from the word "palliate" which means to alleviate or reduce suffering.  

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illness. It helps relieve symptoms and stress, physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical, while improving quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.

Key Facts:

  • Available at any age or stage of a serious illness

  • Can be provided alongside curative treatments

  • Delivered by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses, and other professionals

  • Focuses on your values, goals, and what matters most to you

  • Usually covered by health insurance

  • Helps people with illnesses like cancer, heart disease, lung disease, dementia, and more

What Palliative Care Is, and Why It Matters

Palliative care is person-centered care. Everything about it is bringing the person into the conversation.

How Can Palliative Care Help?

Research shows palliative care can lead to:

  • Better control of symptoms (pain, breathlessness, anxiety, depression)

  • Improved spiritual and emotional well-being

  • Greater satisfaction with care

  • Less burden on caregivers

  • Fewer hospital visits and shorter stays

  • In some cases, longer life

 

It's like I wasn't alone.  We were doing this together. Every time after seeing him, my attitude was more positive.

- Husband and father of three living with cancer

For us, it really was a lifesaving piece. For me as a caregiver living it with her on this journey, I was able to get her all the support she and I needed.

- Daughter and caregiver

They make you comfortable and they also give you hope...they became my extended family and my emotional support.

- Young adult living with cancer

When to Ask About Palliative Care

Talk to your doctor about a referral to palliative care if you or a loved one:

  • Has a serious illness (like cancer, heart or lung disease, dementia, etc.)

  • Is living with pain, stress, or symptoms that aren’t improving

  • Is feeling weaker or struggling with daily activities

  • Has frequent hospital or ER visits

  • Needs more time or support to talk through care decisions

  • Feels anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally distressed

  • Is a caregiver looking for support and guidance

 

Steve Pantilat, MD describes when you should consider asking your doctor for a referral to palliative care.

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