Palliative Care
Specialized support focused on quality of life, symptom relief, planning, and communication for patients and families living with serious illness.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is medical care focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious or chronic illness and for the families supporting them.
Care may focus on symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, poor appetite, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, fatigue, or other sources of distress. It also helps patients and families communicate about goals, preferences, and treatment decisions.
Palliative care is not limited to the final phase of life and may be provided alongside disease-directed treatment, depending on the patient’s clinical situation and care plan.
Common areas of support
- Relief of distressing symptoms
- Clarifying goals and priorities
- Communication among patient, family, and medical team
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Caregiver guidance
- Planning for changes in health and function
Hospice and palliative care
Both approaches emphasize comfort and quality of life, but they are used in different circumstances.
| Topic | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Relief of symptoms and support during serious illness. | Comfort-focused care near the end of life. |
| Disease-directed treatment | May be provided alongside treatment intended to control or treat disease. | Generally reflects a shift toward comfort rather than curative treatment for the terminal illness. |
| Timing | Can begin at different stages of serious illness. | Requires hospice eligibility based on the patient’s clinical condition and applicable criteria. |
| Family support | Education, communication, and emotional support may be part of care. | Family and caregiver support is a central part of the hospice model. |
Have questions about palliative care?
Call Amenity Health Care to discuss the patient’s symptoms, care goals, and whether a palliative approach may help.