How does palliative care help?
Palliative care can help ensure that life remains meaningful and fulfilling despite living with a serious illness.
Elements of palliative care
Did you know?
With palliative care, you will always have a say in what matters most to you throughout your illness.
Palliative care also recognizes that different patients may have unique priorities and support systems, also known as “goals of care” – and palliative care respects the importance of creating treatment plans that work for the individual patient given their unique set of circumstances. With this type of care, you will always have a say in what matters most to you throughout your illness.
The World Health Organization sums up the elements of palliative care as:
Medication, alternative therapies and tips to help with symptoms like pain, vomiting, breathlessness, anxiety, depression and confusion with an emphasis on prevention as well as treatment.
Helping patients and their families through the complex emotional challenges of living with a serious illness. Supporting emotional and spiritual needs, such as feeling a sense of belonging, repairing relationships and searching for meaning.
Looking after the needs of the body, through mobility aids and exercises, for instance.
Support with the day-to-day needs of the patient and their caregivers and family members – for example, guidance with medication management.
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Learn about palliative care services in your area.