For People Living with a Serious Illness, and Those Close to Them

Get more information about palliative care, advance care planning, and community resources

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 a serious illness.

  • The goal is to improve quality of life for the person living with the illness and those close to them.
  • It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. It can be provided with treatments meant to cure the illness.  
  • Care focuses on relief of symptoms and stress.
  • A specially-trained team of palliative care doctors, nurses, and other specialists work together with a patient's other doctors to give an extra and layer of support
  • The palliative care team's focus is on the needs of the  person living with the illness and their loved ones.

 

 

Advice on When to Ask for Palliative Care

Advice on How to Ask for Palliative Care