What is Palliative care?

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Palliative care is NOT the same as hospice care. Palliative care may be provided at any time during a person`s illness, even from the time of diagnosis. And, it may be given at the same time as curative treatment.

Hospice care always provides palliative care. However, it is focused on terminally ill patients-people who no longer seek treatments to cure them and who are expected to live for about six months or less.

Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on relief of the pain and other symptoms of serious illness. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering and to offer patients and their families the best possible quality of life.

Palliative care is appropriate at any point in a serious or life-threatening illness. It is not dependent on prognosis. It can also be provided at the same time as curative and life-prolonging treatment.

Palliative care is not dependent on prognosis and is appropriate at any point in an illness. It can also be provided at the same time as treatment that is meant to cure you.

Palliative care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Patients have a range of diseases and respond differently to treatment options. A key benefit of palliative care is that it customizes treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It helps patients gain the strength to carry on with daily life. It improves their ability to tolerate medical treatments. And it helps them better understand their choices for care. Overall, palliative care offers patients the best possible quality of life during their illness.

Palliative care benefits both patients and their families. Along with symptom management, communication and support for the family are the main goals. The team helps patients and families make medical decisions and choose treatments that are in line with their goals.

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Some resources for Palliative Care: Palliative Care Resources

Canadian (Manitoba): Palliative.info - A Site For Palliative Care Information
Palliative Care Education Resources

VA: Hospice and Palliative Care - Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care