- Mary, patient |
 When you are facing a serious illness, you need relief. Relief from pain. Relief from other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. Relief from stress. You need to better understand your condition and choices for care. You need to improve your ability to tolerate medical treatments. And, you and your family need to be able to carry on with everyday life. In short, you want to feel better, feel supported and have more control over your care. This is what palliative care can do for you. The goal of palliative care is to relieve suffering and provide the best possible quality of life for people facing the pain, symptoms and stresses of serious illness. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of an illness, and it can be provided along with treatments that are meant to cure. To get palliative care you must ask your doctor for a referral. Find which hospitals in your area have a palliative care team by searching the Provider Directory. |
