Learn the facts:

Q: What is Palliative Care?

A: Palliative Care is a subspecialty of medicine that was created to address the overwhelming needs of patients with serious disease. The goal is to relieve pain and to treat symptoms of any illness at any stage in order to improve quality of life.

Q: Who is a Palliative Care candidate?

A: Palliative Care is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life. Palliative Care utilizes a multidisciplinary approach in formulating a plan of care to relieve suffering in all areas of a patient's life.

Q: Is Palliative Care the same as Hospice?

A: No. Hospice is for patients that are at the last stages of their life, whereas, Palliative Care is appropriate for any stage of a serious condition. Palliative Care specialists, however, are the main people that can determine if a patient is suitable for hospice.

Q: What are some of the conditions that can be best managed by a Palliative Care specialist?

A: Metastatic Cancer, dementia, any end stage disease like severe coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, COPD, Pulmonary fibrosis, renal failure, multiple sclerosis, ALS failure to thrive, progressive debility with advanced age, multiple hospitalizations, etc.

Q: If I ask for a Palliative Care specialist to see me, can I still continue to see my own doctors?

A: Yes. Palliative Care Specialists are consultants. You can see any of your physicians at any time. We always try to coordinate your care with your doctors.