Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialised medical care for people living with a serious illness.
This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative care identifies and treats symptoms that may be physical, emotional, spiritual, or social. Because palliative care is based on individual needs, the care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis.
It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

• Resources such as equipment needed to aid care at home
• Assistance for families to come together to talk about sensitive issues
• Links to other services such as home help and financial support
• Support for people to meet cultural obligations
• Support for emotional, social, and spiritual concerns
• Counseling and grief support
• Referrals to respite care services

Palliative care is a family-centered model of care, meaning that family and carers can receive practical and emotional support.