What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is the combination of active and compassionate therapies intended to comfort and support individuals and families who are living with a life-threatening illness. 

The goal is to improve the quality of life of the patient and caregiver by managing symptoms, enhancing knowledge, facilitating caregiver participation, and coordinating physical, psychosocial and spiritual support services.

Palliative care takes into account the unique needs of patients and offers recommendations for managing symptoms, which can include pain, fatigue, constipation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, incontinence, confusion, lack of appetite, dry mouth, and skin problems among others.

In addition to drug therapies, non-pharmacological solutions are suggested that may help comfort patients and relieve stress. They can include Reiki, massage, music and pet therapy.

Palliative care in hospitals and long-term care facilities
Palliative care consultations are provided in hospitals and long-term care facilities by registered nurse practitioners and physicians certified in hospice and palliative care who are experienced in pain and symptom management.

When should I call for a consult?

• If a resident or hospital patient is experiencing any type of pain or symptoms that are not easily controlled or do not consistently respond to prescribed interventions.
• If a resident or hospital patient has had severe pain for more than 24 hours.
• If a resident or hospital patient has demonstrated a change in behavior or a decline in functional status and the etiology is unknown.

A nurse practitioner or physician will assess a patient, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual, and will make recommendations for care to the staff who will contact the primary care physician to discuss the recommendations and obtain the orders.