What Is Palliative Care
How to Get Palliative Care
Is Palliative Care Right for You


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"Patients and families tell us they need information, reliable access to help, and relief from distress so they can live as well as possible with their medical condition. Palliative care is the solution." - Diane E. Meier, MD

Is Palliative Care Right for You?watch video

Answer the following questions to determine whether palliative care might be right for you or someone close to you. Remember, you can receive palliative care at any point in your illness.       (results will appear below)

  1. Do you, or someone close to you, have a serious illness such as:
    • Cancer
    • Congestive heart failure
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema
    • Kidney failure
    • Liver failure
    • Dementia

    Yes   No

  2. Do you, or someone close to you, have symptoms such as
    • Pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fatigue
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Lack of appetite
    • Nausea
    • Constipation

    Yes   No

  3. Have you, or someone close to you, experienced the following:
    • Frequent emergency room visits
    • Multiple admissions to the hospital (3 or more within 12 months) with the same symptoms
    • A turning point in the illness where treatment is no longer working
    • Eating problems associated with an advanced illness

    Yes   No

  4. Do you, or someone close to you, need help with:
    • Future planning
    • Decision making
    • Emotional support
    • Spiritual or religious support

    Yes   No