Your Questions Answered

How do I know if Palliative Care is right for me or for my family member?

Palliative care is an option for any person in the hospital who is experiencing discomfort, dealing with serious illness, or facing complex medical decisions. Palliative care can help all patients but may be especially helpful if you or your loved one:

• Has cancer, heart failure, AIDS, liver or kidney problems, or dementia
• Has pain, shortness of breath, or other distressing symptomsIs seriously ill, and facing questions about the future
• Has difficult medical decisions to make and wants help thinking them through

How can I get Palliative Care?

Any patient at University Health Care can seek palliative care from our team of experts. A patient, family member, or any health care professional working with the patient simply needs to ask the patient’s doctor to request a consultation.

Will my doctor continue to care for me?

Yes. Your doctor will continue to take care of you and be in charge of your care. The Palliative Care staff will work with your doctor and insure that you get the best possible care.

Is Palliative Care the same as hospice care?

No. Palliative Care is based in the hospital. A patient can receive palliative care at any time during their illness and can receive all other treatments at the same time.

Hospice care is generally provided at home. Typically people in home hospice decide to forgo curative treatments for their illness.