Definition of Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

Definition of Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.


Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.



Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life

Palliative care teams focus on quality of life. They treat people suffering from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, Hiv-Aids, and many more issues associated with stigmatization, marginalization leading to depression.


Relieves Suffering From Symptoms and Stress

Palliative care teams focus on quality of life. They treat people suffering from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, Hiv-Aids, and many more issues associated with stigmatization, marginalization leading to depression.


Helps You Match Treatment Options to Your Goals

The palliative care team also spends the time it takes to help you match your treatment choices to your goals. They will also make sure that all of your doctors know and understand what you want. This gives you more control over your care and will improve your quality of life.


Works Together with Your Other Doctors

Palliative care teams are specialists who work together with you, your family and your other doctors. They provide an extra layer of support when you need it most. In addition to treating your symptoms and stress and supporting you and your family, the palliative care team communicates with all of your doctors so that everyone is on the same page. They support you every step of the way.


How to Get Palliative Care

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, you may benefit from palliative care. You can have palliative care at any point in your illness. Search the Palliative Care Provider Directory to find it near you or visit our office of St.Basil Palliative Home Care Promotion and our team are dediated to help you . Take the quiz if you’re not sure. Then speak to your doctor, and ask for it. Bring the handout with you!