Palliative care is
An approach to care that provides comfort and aims to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with serious illness.
Examples of a serious illness: cancer, dementia, end-stage kidney and lung diseases, heart diseases, and stroke.
Facts about Palliative care
Pays close attention to and manages pain, nausea, difficult breathing, loss of appetite and confusion
Addresses the needs of patients and families, whether physical, emotional, social, practical, or spiritual.
Uses a team approach that may include volunteers, social workers and spiritual leaders, in addition to medical staff
Ensures that care is respectful and supportive of patient’s dignity and aligned with their wishes
Can be delivered in hospital, at a hospice, in a seniors home, or at home
Does not hasten or delay death
Watch these videos to learn more
Better Early than Late
Video by Pallium
Palliative Care Myths-1
Video by Pallium
Palliative Care Myths- 2
Video by Pallium
Choosing palliative care
- If you or a loved one has received a serious illness diagnosis, you may want to ask your doctor about palliative care.
- Palliative care may be appropriate at any age and any stage in the course of illness, together with other treatment plans or therapies.
- Palliative care can be requested at any time during the serious illness journey.
