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Palliative care: Easing the course of serious illness
How does palliative care differ from hospice care?
Palliative care is available at any time during a serious or life-threatening illness, while hospice care is available only during the final months of life — when curative or life-prolonging treatments have been stopped. You don't have to be in hospice to receive palliative care.
What are some real-life examples of palliative care?
Here's one example of how palliative care works: You have a history of heart failure and are having trouble getting around the house due to worsening shortness of breath. You live at home with a partner who has health problems, too. You find that getting all of the care you and your partner need is becoming more difficult and you're not sure how to plan for the future. This has been stressful for you and your family physically, psychologically, spiritually and financially. A palliative care specialist will work with your primary care doctor and a team of specialists to determine which medications, supportive services and advanced care planning can provide the best symptom relief. The palliative care team may organize visits by a chaplain, a psychologist and other home health agencies.
How do I obtain palliative care?
If you're interested in obtaining palliative care for yourself or a loved one, ask your doctor or your loved one's doctor for a referral to a palliative care specialist.
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- Clary PL, et al. Pharmacologic pearls for end-of-life care. American Family Physician. 2009;79:1059.
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- Teno JM, et al. Referring a patient and family to high-quality palliative care at the close of life. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;301:651.
- Palliative care: The relief you need when you're experiencing the symptoms of serious illness. National Institute of Nursing Research. http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NewsAndInformation/NINRPublications/. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 25, 2009.
- Carey EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 10, 2009.
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