How to Get Palliative Care

Step 3) Meet with the Palliative Care Team

What should you ask?

What can I expect from palliative care?
Where will my care be provided (e.g., in the hospital, home, nursing home, hospice)?
Who will be part of the palliative care team?
What are your recommendations for my care?
What decisions need to be made by either my family or me?
Will you be able to help explain the issues involved in making these decisions?
Will you communicate openly and candidly with my family and me about my illness?
Will you continue to be involved in my care when I am in the hospital (if currently at home) or when I am discharged from the hospital (if currently in the hospital)?
How will you interact and communicate with my other doctors?
What will you do if I experience severe pain or uncomfortable symptoms?
What support will you provide to my family and/or caregivers?
Can you explain the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Will you still be available to me throughout my illness?
What resources do you recommend for me to learn more about palliative care?