About this topic
Palliative care is given to help ease the signs, pain, and stress of a serious illness. You can have palliative care at any point while you are sick to make you more comfortable. It can help lower your stress level. It can also go along with hospice care which is given at the end of someones life. ‚
Palliative care is one part of your health care. There is a team of experts who work to ease signs like upset stomach or pain. They also work to ease other problems like planning for the future, coordinating care, and dealing with feelings. Your team may have many people like: ‚
- Doctors and nurses
- Dietitians
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Therapists
- Chaplains
- Others
General
You may get palliative care in the hospital or at home. It can also be given at your doctors office or clinic. Palliative care may be a good choice for you if you have an ongoing illness such as: ‚
- Cancer
- Heart or lung disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Dementia
- Kidney problems
- Stroke
- Nervous system problems
The palliative care team works with the doctors you most often visit when you are getting care. You do not have to stop treatment to get palliative care. ‚
What will the results be?
The palliative care team will work with your family to make sure you are comfortable. They will address your body, mind, and emotions. The team is also able to help you deal with things that are hard to talk about like making plans for the future and end-of-life care. ‚
Helpful tips
Find a support group for people who are having the same health problem. Talking with others can help you better understand and cope with your feelings. If you cannot go to a support group in person, look for one that meets online. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Department of Health and Human Services ‚
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Resources/Advanced_Care/docs/PalliativeOrComfortCare.pdf ‚
Get Palliative Care ‚
https://getpalliativecare.org/ ‚
National Institute of Nursing Research ‚
http://www.ninr.nih.gov/sites/www.ninr.nih.gov/files/palliative-care-brochure.pdf ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2016-01-19 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚