Palliative Care

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a specialized form of care that provides symptom relief, comfort and support to people living with serious or chronic illnesses. It also provides support to caregivers and those impacted by a loved one’s condition. Simply stated, it’s about improving your quality of life.

Palliative care is an extra layer of support on top of the care you already receive. It focuses on your own unique care goals in a way that aligns with your values. Unlike hospice — which people often associate with end-of-life care — palliative care can benefit people of any age and at any stage of a serious illness.

Palliative comes from the Latin word, palliare, which means “to cloak.” The word’s origins provide clues about the role of palliative care. Imagine an extra layer of comfort and protection shielding you from the harms associated with illness. This support is what palliative care is all about.

Who is palliative care for?

You can receive palliative care no matter your age, prognosis or whether you’re receiving curative treatments.

People with various conditions receive palliative care. Among many others, these conditions include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• COVID-19
• Heart disease
• HIV and AIDS
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung diseases like COPD and emphysema
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke

Types of palliative care

Depending on the resources available in your area, you can receive palliative care in a variety of locations, including:

• Palliative care in a clinic. You can see a palliative care provider in the office, just like your primary care physician.
• Palliative care in a hospital. Palliative care physicians can see you while you’re in the hospital, where they often help treat pain or other symptoms.
• Palliative care at home. Receive one-on-one support from a healthcare provider in the comfort of your own home.
• Residential care in an assisted living facility. Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities have healthcare providers who can offer palliative care.

Who provides palliative care?

Palliative care teams include medical providers and other specialists who can help you manage symptoms. They can also help you navigate the added stress and responsibilities that often accompany serious illnesses.

Your care team may include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Social workers
• Spiritual advisors (chaplains)

What kind of support does palliative care provide?

Palliative care supplements your medical care in a variety of ways that can involve:

• Symptom relief
• Education and advocacy
• Social support
• Spiritual support

Symptom relief

Palliative care can help improve symptoms affecting your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Your palliative care team may deliver care directly. Your care team may also teach you strategies you can use every day to feel better.

Palliative care can help with symptoms like:

• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Stress
• Trouble sleeping

Your palliative care team may provide symptom relief through:

• Breathing exercises
• Cognitive exercises
• Exercise guidance
• Prescribing medication
• Relaxation exercises
• Tips for improving sleep

Palliative care providers can also refer you to specialists if you need additional care.

Education and advocacy

Your palliative care team can:

• Help you better understand your condition
• Help you decide what kind of treatment you’d like to pursue
• Tell you how your condition may impact you in the future

The more informed you are, the more you can make care decisions that are right for you.

Your palliative care team can help communicate your values, goals and preferences to your other providers so you receive care on your terms.

Social support

Palliative care specialists recognize that your illness can impact the people you’re closest to. They provide support not just for you, but also for you those around you.

Your palliative care team can:

• Connect you with support groups and community resources
• Help you communicate with family members or refer you for family counseling
• Support your friends and family as they navigate the stress they may feel over your illness

Spiritual support

Palliative care may include spiritual care, depending on your beliefs and preferences. Regular visits with a chaplain, religious leader or other spiritual advisor can be a helpful part of processing your illness’s impact on your life.

When is it time for palliative care?

There isn’t one set time for when someone should be offered palliative care. Many people opt for palliative care once they receive a serious diagnosis. Seeking care early on can help you plan for what’s to come.

Speak to your provider about whether they’d recommend palliative care for you.

How long can palliative care last?

You can see a palliative care specialist for as long as you feel it’s helpful. There are no limits to the number of visits you can make.

What are the benefits of palliative care?

Palliative care empowers you to make better care decisions that positively impact your life. It can improve healthcare-related outcomes, too. Research has shown that palliative care is associated with:

• Improved patient and caregiver satisfaction
• Improved quality of life
• Less anxiety and depression
• Longer life expectancy

What are the disadvantages of palliative care?

The biggest downside of palliative care is that many people don’t fully understand its purpose. Some people may be hesitant to begin this type of care because they think it’s only for people near the end of life. But palliative care doesn’t mean you’re dying. It’s for anyone who has a chronic condition that interferes with their quality of life.

How can I get palliative care?

You’ll need a referral from your provider to receive palliative care. In some instances, your provider may recommend it. If not, don’t be afraid to bring up the topic. Mention that you’re interested in learning more about palliative care, including whether you’re a good candidate and what resources are available.