If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness, you may be looking for care that can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and support you and your family. Palliative care does that and more.

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness—no matter the diagnosis or stage of illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

But how do you know if palliative care is right for you? And how do you find a provider near you? Here’s are a few tips to get you started.

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By Angela Condo, MD and Noelle Marie Javier, MD

Thanks to modern medicine, people with HIV/AIDS are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. HIV can now be a manageable part of life, and getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop living life to the fullest. As people age with HIV, new challenges may come up, such as other health conditions, changes in memory, social or emotional concerns, or chronic pain. These challenges can be managed with the right support. 

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By Allison Silvers, MBA

Caring for someone with a serious illness is hard enough. On top of that, figuring out how to pay the endless medical bills can be stressful and overwhelming. We hope these four tips help you, as a caregiver, find new ways to deal with the financial burden of serious illness.

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By Mary D. Chamberlin, MD

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Alongside your cancer treatment, palliative care provides extra support—helping you manage symptoms, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most to you. It also provides support for your family and the people who care for you. … Read More

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness, you may have questions about medical marijuana (also known as cannabis). Can it help with pain, nausea, or anxiety? Is it safe to use?

These are important questions that palliative care teams often hear from patients who are exploring ways to feel better, while managing their serious illness.

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When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness—like breast cancer or heart disease—it affects more than just your body. It can stir up deep emotions, shift your thoughts, and unsettle your sense of safety. You may feel overwhelmed, afraid, or even emotionally numb. These responses are normal—and deeply human.

These reactions are part of a built‑in survival system known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. It’s hardwired into all of us to help protect when we sense danger—or under significant stress. When you’re living with a serious illness, that same system can leave you feeling stuck or emotionally exhausted, especially when recovery feels like a long path.

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If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness like cancer or Parkinson’s disease, you may have thought about trying a vitamin, herbal remedy, acupuncture, or other complementary therapy to support your care. This is called integrative medicine, which is when a complementary therapy is used alongside conventional medical treatments to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, or feel more in control.

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When you’re living with a serious illness, it can feel like everything is happening at once—new symptoms, medications, side effects, tons of doctor appointments, paperwork, and big questions about what comes next. You might have received different advice from multiple doctors. Or maybe you’re not sure who to call if something goes wrong.

That’s where palliative care comes in. One of the most important things a palliative care team does is create a care plan that is clear and individualized, reflecting your needs, preferences, and goals.

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