Palliative care serves to improve the quality of life among patients with serious illnesses by preventing or treating the symptoms and side effects of their disease and treatment. Palliative care also includes emotional, social, practical, and spiritual services to help patients and families navigate the many challenges caused by these illnesses.
Palliative care can start as early as the initial diagnosis and treatments begin, during follow-up, and at the end of life. Patients with serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, dementia, HIV/AIDS, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are typically eligible for palliative care. Patients can continue to receive treatment under the care of their health care provider while benefitting from palliative care.
Palliative care can be administered by various health care providers including doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dietitians, social workers, psychologists, massage therapists, and chaplains. Palliative care is provided by hospitals, home care agencies, cancer centres, and long-term care facilities.
