What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. It offers a person-centered approach with the goal of improving quality of life. Palliative care teams partner with a patient’s medical providers and is appropriate for adults at any stage in a serious illness. It can be provided with treatments aimed at curing an illness or condition.

Palliative care can help you:

• Better understand your condition and care options
• Set treatment goals
• Manage symptoms such as exhaustion, pain, nausea or depression
• Complete advance care planning documents

The PeaceHealth palliative care team includes specially trained:

• Doctors and nurse practitioners
• Registered nurses
• Social workers
• Chaplains

What are the benefits of palliative care?

Palliative care can make you more comfortable during treatment. It also gives you more control over your care.

Our team takes time to talk and listen to you and your family. Once we understand your situation and goals, we help you review your treatment options and choices.

Our team also knows that the stress of what you’re going through can have a big impact on your family. Serious illness and treatment can cause symptoms like exhaustion, pain, anxiety and depression. These things can drain your energy or motivation to do the things you enjoy. Palliative care can help you and your loved ones as you cope with this experience.

Getting started with Palliative Care

It’s important to know that starting this type of care can be a relief to a patient and families, bringing comfort and peace of mind.

Speaking with your provider or your loved one’s provider is an important first step. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to palliative care and contact a location nearest you.