Palliative care

Palliative care treats the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and families. It is for the care of people who have illnesses which cannot be cured and who have two years or fewer to live.

Patients who may benefit from palliative care include those who:

do not respond well to standard therapy for pain or symptom relief
have several trips to the emergency room or intensive care unit
have a decrease in organ functions
have not responded to therapy
are struggling with issues related to the end of life

Palliative care allows for discussion of care options and goals for the best possible quality of life through pain relief, symptom control and mobility. This type of care is respectful to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices.

Possible team members include:

doctor
clinical nurse specialist
social worker
chaplain
pharmacist
clinician

Consultants will evaluate your loved one’s situation and create a plan of care based on several needs and advanced care planning.