Palliative care is a specialized approach to medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. It aims to provide relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress that often accompany such conditions, regardless of the patient's prognosis.
Palliative care is holistic in nature, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. It involves a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, working together to provide comprehensive support tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each patient.
The goal of palliative care is to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life by managing symptoms, facilitating communication and decision-making, and offering emotional and spiritual support throughout the illness journey.
With locations across California, Dignity Health MedicalGroup is just right around the corner. Schedule an appointment with a palliative care provider, in person or virtually.
Palliative care team members collaborate with patients, their families, and other members of their health care team to:
Reduce or control pain or debilitating symptoms
Assist in discussions about goals of care, prognosis, and treatment options
Assist in education about Advance Directives and POLST forms
Educate patients and families about the disease process and the course of illness
Attend to the emotional, spiritual, social, and daily needs and goals of the patient and family
Establish and maintain an environment that is comforting and healing
Serve as educators and mentors
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress, regardless of prognosis, and can be provided alongside curative treatment. In contrast, hospice care is specifically designed for patients in the final stages of a terminal illness, aiming to enhance comfort and quality of life by managing symptoms and providing emotional and spiritual support at the end of life, typically without curative intent.
Unlike hospice care, which is typically provided in the final stages of a terminal illness, palliative care can begin at any point during the illness trajectory and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
With clinics throughout California, a Dignity Health Medical Group palliative care provider is nearby and ready to assist you with your wellness journey.
